Elections in Croatia

Elections in Croatia are called izbori. They allow eligible voters to choose representatives or officeholders through a secret ballot under rules established by law. Parliamentary elections choose representatives to the Hrvatski sabor. Voters mainly choose among candidate lists, and the results determine the political balance from which a Government can gain parliamentary support. Presidential elections choose the President of the Republic directly. If no candidate receives the required support in the first round, the process can include a second round between the leading candidates. Local elections choose representative bodies in municipalities, cities, and counties, as well as directly elected local executive officeholders. A voter may therefore receive several ballots covering different local functions. European Parliament elections choose Croatia's members of the European Parliament. These representatives help make decisions at the European Union level together with members elected in other EU countries. Before voting, an eligible person must be included in the relevant voter records and assigned or otherwise directed to a polling place, called a biračko mjesto. Special voting arrangements may exist for defined situations, but voters should verify their own arrangements through official channels. At the polling place, election staff check eligibility and provide the correct ballot papers. The voter marks the ballot privately, folds or handles it as instructed, and places it in the ballot box. Votes are counted according to formal rules, and results are assembled from polling places. Election bodies, observers, complaint procedures, and courts can help protect the legality and integrity of the process. Elections give citizens a direct way to influence public leadership, but one vote cannot control every later decision. Representation, coalitions, legal powers, turnout, and continuing public participation all affect what happens after election day.