Croatians vote to elect a new president in a largely ceremonial role, with incumbent Zoran Milanovic leading polls against main challenger Dragan Primorac.
Polling stations across Croatia opened at 06:00 GMT on Sunday to elect the country's new president, a mainly ceremonial office, in a race where candidates from the two biggest parties are the main contenders.
Around 3.8 million Croats are eligible to cast votes for one out of a total of eight candidates, three of whom are women, ranging from left to the right on the political spectrum.
Incumbent President Zoran Milanovic, the opposition Socialist Democrats' candidate, will run for a second term. His main challenger is Dragan Primorac, a former science minister backed by the governing Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ).
The election will go to a second round if none of the candidates wins a majority of the vote.
Milanovic has led in opinion polls before and after the election campaign which analysts described as dull and uninspiring. The latest poll published on Friday by Nova TV Daily News showed Milanovic leading with 37.2% support against Primorac with 20.4% support.
The next in line are two women - independent candidate Marija Selak Raspudic and Ivana Kekin of the We Can! (Mozemo) left-wing, green political party, who have garnered about 10% support each in the poll.
Polling stations close at 1800 GMT, and exit polls are expected minutes later. The first preliminary results will be known around 1900 GMT and official results are expected in the following days.
The presidential role is to a large extent ceremonial as the head of state cannot veto laws, but has a say in foreign policy, defence and security matters.
During his term, Milanovic, a former prime minister and a populist, has confronted Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic over foreign and public policies, with insults often traded between the two men.
Serbia has expressed concerns over the increasing military cooperation between Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia, formalized with the signing of a declaration in Tirana on Tuesday. Ministry of Foreign Affairs considered the military alliance as a "provocation".
Albania, Kosovo, and Croatia have signed the Trilateral Declaration on Military Alliance.
Croatia holds a presidential run-off, with incumbent Zoran Milanovic leading in polls against Dragan Primorac.
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French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Three of the four U.S. Army soldiers who went missing in Lithuania last week when their vehicle sunk in a peat bog have been found dead. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda expressed deep sorrow and stated that the search for the remaining soldier is ongoing.
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French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Paul Marchant has resigned as CEO of Primark with immediate effect after admitting to an "error of judgment" in a social interaction last year. Parent company AB Foods expressed disappointment, citing the importance of integrity. Finance director Eoin Tonge will serve as interim CEO.
Abu Dhabi will host International Jazz Day 2025, featuring a star-studded gala at Etihad Arena on April 30. Broadcast worldwide, the event will showcase top jazz, blues, and classical artists, including Herbie Hancock and Marcus Miller.
Three of the four U.S. Army soldiers who went missing in Lithuania last week when their vehicle sunk in a peat bog have been found dead. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda expressed deep sorrow and stated that the search for the remaining soldier is ongoing.
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