Second round of presidential elections begins in Croatia

Sites were opened in Croatia in the second round of presidential elections, the State Electoral Commission (GEC) of the republic said.

The incumbent president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovich and the leader of the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP) Zoran Milanovich are fighting for the post of head of state.

The election committee registered 3 million 855 thousand voters who vote in more than 6.5 thousand polling stations in the country and abroad. Over 24 thousand local and foreign observers monitor the voting process. The plots are open from 7.00 (9.00 Moscow time) to 19.00 (21.00 Moscow time).

“Polling stations are open on time, voting began throughout the country”, – said the CEC.

The first round of expression of will took place in Croatia on December 22. Oppositionist Milanovic received 29.55% of the vote, current president Grabar-Kitarovich – 26.65%. The latest IPSOS Social Survey of January 2 showed that Milanovich in the second round will receive 45% of voter support, and Grabar-Kitarovich – 42%.

The constitutional definition of Croatia’s foreign and domestic policies belongs to the government. The president performs more representative functions and is elected for a five-year term.