Early results from Croatia’s presidential election show incumbent Zoran Milanovic leading with 50.1 percent, significantly ahead of challenger Dragan Primorac at 21.8 percent. Milanovic is poised for re-election despite a possible runoff if he does not surpass 50 percent. His campaign has notably attracted a wide array of voters, indicating a populist approach.
The presidential election in Croatia appears to be favoring incumbent President Zoran Milanovic, according to preliminary results. As of Sunday evening, with 63 percent of votes counted, Milanovic, a former social democrat, led with 50.1 percent of the vote. His opponent, Dragan Primorac, backed by the ruling conservative party HDZ, garnered 21.8 percent. Subsequent post-election polls further confirmed Milanovic’s dominance, showing him with 50.7 percent of the total votes. Should no candidate surpass the 50 percent threshold, a runoff election will be held on January 12, 2024. Milanovic has notably adopted a populist approach, appealing to both left and right-wing constituencies during his tenure as president.
Zoran Milanovic has served as the President of Croatia since taking office in 2020. He is a member of the Social Democratic Party and previously served as Prime Minister from 2011 to 2016. His recent election campaign has been marked by a broadened appeal to diverse voter groups, including those on the right of the political spectrum. Milanovic’s strategies reflect a response to the evolving political landscape in Croatia, signifying his intent to maintain power amid challenges from rival parties, particularly the conservative HDZ.
In summary, early election results indicate a strong likelihood of re-election for Zoran Milanovic as the President of Croatia, as he leads significantly against his main challenger Dragan Primorac. With a commanding portion of the vote and a populist strategy that seeks to unify various political factions, Milanovic’s presidential term appears poised for continuation. The outcome remains contingent on the final vote tallies, with a potential runoff on the horizon if the majority threshold is not met.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
