Croatians headed to the polls today to elect their next president, with incumbent Zoran Milanović widely seen as the frontrunner. Over 3.8 million eligible voters are casting their ballots in a contest featuring eight candidates, including three women. While the presidency in Croatia is primarily ceremonial, it plays a vital role in shaping the country’s foreign policy and defense strategy.
Milanović, seeking a second term, represents the opposition Socialist Democrats and has consistently topped recent opinion polls, with 37.2% of voter support. His closest rival, Dragan Primorac, a former science minister backed by the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), trails significantly at 20.4%. Other contenders, including independent Marija Selak Raspudić and Ivana Kekin of the leftist-green Mozemo party, are hovering around 10% support.
If no candidate secures a majority, a runoff election will be held on January 12. Milanović’s first term has been marked by sharp clashes with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, particularly over issues like military cooperation and Croatia's stance on the war in Ukraine. Milanović’s critical views on the European Union and NATO have made him a divisive figure, even as some see him as a counterweight to the corruption-plagued HDZ government.
The stakes are high for the ruling party, which has faced mounting scandals and resignations. Many view this election as a referendum on Croatia’s direction within the EU and NATO, as well as on broader governance issues. Voter turnout will be critical in determining whether Milanović can secure a second term outright or if a January runoff will decide the outcome.
Polling stations are set to close at 1800 GMT, with exit polls expected shortly after and preliminary results anticipated by 1900 GMT. The results are poised to significantly shape Croatia’s political future and its role on the international stage.
