A WEB

System of government

Last Updated : 2016-09-21

Unitary parliamentary constitutional republic

System of government-References:

 

Total population

Last Updated : 2016-09-28

4.284,889 (Croatian Bureau of statistics 2011)

Total population-References:

 

Total area (in square kilo meters)

Last Updated : 2016-10-04

56,594 km² (land), 31 067 km² (sea)

 

Total area (in square kilo meters)-References:

 

Number of registered political parties

Last Updated : 2016-09-28

159

Number of registered political parties-References:

 

Number of polling stations

Last Updated : 2016-09-28

Elections of representatives to the Croatian Parliament 2016: 6947

 

Number of polling stations-References:

 

Average number of voters per polling station

Last Updated : 2016-09-28

It is not possible to determine the average number of voters per polling station because there are too many polling stations.

Average number of voters per polling station-References:

 

Voting age

Last Updated : 2016-09-21

18

 

Voting age-References:

 

Elected Offices

Last Updated : 2016-09-28

President of the Republic of Croatia, representatives to the Croatian Parliament, members of the European Parliament from the Republic of Croatia, members of the representative bodies of units of local and regional self-government, and elections for municipality heads, mayors, and county prefects and their deputies and members of Councils and representatives of national minorities.

Elected Offices-References:

 

Election system

Last Updated : 2016-10-21

President of the Republic of Croatia is elected by the majority electoral system (over 50 percent of all voters who voted). If none of candidate obtain such majority, a further selection is carried out in the second round among the candidates who have achieved the highest number of votes in the first round of elections.

?Representatives to the Croatian Parliament: Mixed electoral system where the representatives ofthe I.-XI. constituency are elected by proportional representation (D'Hondt method) and preferential voting and the representatives of minorities in XII.constituency are elected by majority votes.?

Members of theEuropean Parliament from the Republic of Croatiaare elected by proportional representation and preferential voting in a single nationwide constituency.

Election system-References:

 

Terms of office

Last Updated : 2016-10-04

President of the Republic of Croatia: five years

Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Members of Local authorities and Members of Councils and representatives of national minorities: four years

Members of the European Parliament from the Republic of Croatia: five years

Terms of office-References:

 

Election

Last Updated : 2016-09-28

Elections of representatives to the Croatian Parliament 2016

Election-References:

 

Date

Last Updated : 2016-09-28

September 11, 2016

Date-References:

 

Number of elected candidates

Last Updated : 2016-09-29

151 (male members 132, female members 19)

 

Number of elected candidates-References:

 

Voter turnout

Last Updated : 2016-09-28

52,59 %

Voter turnout-References:

 

Number of ballots cast

Last Updated : 2016-10-27

1.978.298

Number of ballots cast-References:

 

Legal framework for elections

Last Updated : 2017-01-10

Constitutionof the Republic of Croatia (Official Gazette, No. 85/10, 05/14)

 

Acton the State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia (Official Gazette, No. 44/06, 19/07)

 

Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament (Official Gazette, No. 19/15 i 104/15)

 

Acton the Election of the President of the Republic of Croatia (Official Gazette, No.  22/92, 42/92 correction, 69/04 - the decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Croatia from May 11, 2004, No. U-I-2495/20, 99/04 ? correction of the decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Croatia from May 11, 2004, No. U-I2495/20, 44/06 see Article 27 of the State Electoral Commission Act , 24/11 see Article 52 of the Political Activity and Election Campaign Financing Act )Act on amendments to the Act on the Election of the President of the Republic of Croatia (Official Gazette, No. 128/14)

 

Acton the Elections of Members of the European Parliament from the Republic ofCroatia (Official Gazette, No.92/10, 23/13, 143/13) 

 

Local Elections Act (Official Gazette, No. 144/12 and 121/16)

 

Acton the rights of nationals of other European Union Member States in theelection to representative bodies of the local and regional self-governmentunits (Official Gazette, No. 92/10)

 

Political activity and election campaign financing act (Official Gazette, No. 48/13)Important remark! The decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Croatia No. U-I-2986/2013, of 20 December 2013 (Official Gazette, No. 2/14) repealed the Article No. 42 of the Political Activity and Election Campaign Financing Act.

 

Act on the register of voters (Official Gazette, No. 144/12, 105/15)

 

Act on constituencies for the election of the Representatives to theCroatian Parliament (Official Gazette, No. 116/99)

 

 Act on the referenda and other forms of personal participation in the activities of state power and local self-government

Legal framework for elections-References:

 

Legal provisions

Last Updated : 2016-09-30

Constitution of the Republic of Croatia (Official Gazette, No. 85/10, 05/14) Article 87 and Act on the referenda and other forms of personal participation in the activities of state power and local self-government (Official Gazette, No. 33/96, 92/01,44/06,58/06,69/07,38/09) and Local self-Government and Local Government Act.

 

Legal provisions-References:

 

Referenda

Last Updated : 2016-09-30

1. State referenda

The Croatian Parliament may call a referenda on a proposal to change the Constitution, on a bill or on the second comes from its scope.

The Croatian Parliament shall call a referenda if it is demanded by ten percent of the total number of voters in the Republic of Croatia.

The referenda is decided by majority of voters who access to referenda. The decision taken by referenda is obligatory.

The referenda shall be called for the purpose of association The Republic of Croatia in alliance with other countries.

2.    Local referenda

 

Direct participation of voters in deciding issues falling to autonomous jurisdiction of counties, cities and municipalities

3. Advisory referenda

 

Direct participation of voters in deciding issues falling to autonomous jurisdiction of counties, cities and municipalities.

 

Referenda-References:

 

People’s Initiatives

Last Updated : 2016-09-30

The people's initiatives are a Council of citizens and petitions.

People’s Initiatives-References:

 

Recall Votes

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Official name

Last Updated : 2016-09-28

State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia (Drzavno izborno povjerenstvo Republike Hrvatske)

 

Official name -References:

 

Mission, Vision, Key Objectives, Functions

Last Updated : 2016-09-30

The State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia shall carry out activities prescribed by the laws regulating the election of representatives to the Croatian Parliament, the President of the Republic of Croatia, members of the representative bodies of units of local and territorial (regional) self-government, heads of municipalities, mayors, county prefects and the Mayor of the City of Zagreb, members of councils and representatives of national minorities in units of local and territorial (regional) self-government, and the holding of state, local and advisory referenda and campaign spending and annual financial performance of political parties, independent MPs and members of representative body of local and territorial (regional) government elected from the list of a group of voters.

 

The Commission shall also carry out the following activities:

- presenting opinions on additions and improvements to electoral legislation and legislation regulating referenda,

- appointing members of county electoral commissions and the city electoral commission of the City of Zagreb

- training members of electoral commissions and commissions for holding referenda in units of local and territorial (regional) self-government,

- informing citizens on the holding of elections and the opportunities for exercising and protecting electoral rights in the election process,

-determining the method of keeping records and publishing material concerning the holding of elections and referenda,

- publishing periodical expert publications pertaining to the electoral system, holding of elections and practice,

- oversees campaign spending and annual financial performance of political parties, independent MPs and members of representative body of local and territorial (regional) government elected from the list of a group of voters

-submitting reports to the competent authorities on the holding of elections and referenda,

-determining the organisation of the Expert Service of the Commission, electing the Commission's Secretary and his or her deputy,

- carrying out co-operation within the country and with international organisations and institutions in the area of electoral legislation and elections in general,

- submitting to the Croatian Parliament reports on elections or referenda held, within 60 days of the publication of the official results of the elections,

- carrying out other duties prescribed by special regulations.

Mission, Vision, Key Objectives, Functions-References:

 

Type of EMB(independent, governmental, mixed)

Last Updated : 2016-09-28

Permanent and independent.

Type of EMB(independent, governmental, mixed)-References:

 

EMB expenditure audit

Last Updated : 2016-10-21

Other -  The National Election Commission determines the way of usage of the financial means, conducts supervision on their expenditure and grants appropriate means to Election Commissions in the constituencies.

 

EMB expenditure audit-References:

 

Number of EMB members (commissioners)

Last Updated : 2016-09-30

9 (Act on the State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia, Article 3)

-Chairperson

-4 Vice-Chairpersons

-4 members

Number of EMB members (commissioners)-References:

 

Term of EMB members (commissioners)

Last Updated : 2016-09-30

The Chairperson ?of the Commissionis the President of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Croatia, by virtue of his position.

The Vice-Chairpersons who are not from the ranks of judges and other members of the Commission are elected by a majority vote of all representatives of the Croatian Parliament for a term of eight years.? 

Term of EMB members (commissioners)-References:

 

Who appoints members (commissioners)?

Last Updated : 2016-09-30

Two members are proposed for election by the majority political party or coalition and two members are proposed for election by the opposition political parties or coalitions, in accordance withe the party structure of the Croatian Parliament at the time of the election. They are elected by a mjority vote of all representatives of the Croatian Parliament.

Who appoints members (commissioners)?-References:

 

Selection of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson

Last Updated : 2016-09-30

?? The Chairperson of the Commission is the President of the supreme Court of the Republic o Croatia, by virtue of his position.

 Two Vice-Chairpersons are elected by the general session of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Croatia from among the ranks of the judges of that court, on the proposal of the President of the Supreme Court.

The Vice-Chairpersons who are not from the ranks of judges  are elected by a majority vote of all representatives of the Croatian Parliament for a term of eight years. One Vice-Chairperson who is not from the rank of judges are proposed for election by the majority political party or coalition, and the other Vice-Chairperson who is not from rank of judges is proposed for election by the opposition political parties or coalitions, in accordance with the party structure of the Croatian Parliament at the time of the election.

??

Selection of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson-References:

 

Administrative divisions

Last Updated : 2016-10-19

Parliamentary elections: 12 constituencies

Local elections: 555 cities and municipalities, 20 counties and the City of Zagreb

Election of the President of the Republic of Croatia and election of members to the European Parliament from the Republic of Croatia: 1 constituency

Administrative divisions -References:

 

Delimitation of constituencies(electoral district)

Last Updated : 2016-11-21

constituencies are delimited for election purposes

 

Delimitation of constituencies(electoral district) -References:

 

Criteria for drawing boundaries

Last Updated : 2016-10-21

The criteria for drawing boundaries are determinedby law.

Criteria for drawing boundaries-References:

 

Body responsible for drawing boundaries

Last Updated : 2016-10-19

Croatian Parliament

Body responsible for drawing boundaries-References:

 

Requirements on the right to vote

Last Updated : 2016-09-29

All citizens of the Republic of Croatia over 18 have the universal and equal suffrage in the elections for the Croatian Parliament, President of the Republic of Croatia and the European Parliament and during the maintenance of state referenda. (Constitution of the Republic of Croatia, Article 45)

All citizens of the Republic of the Croatia over 18 with the resident on the territory for which the authorities conduct elections have a suffrage in the local elections. (Local Elections Act, Article 2)

Requirements on the right to vote-References:

 

Reasons for having the right to vote revoked

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Electoral Eligibility

Last Updated : 2016-09-29

All Croatian citizens who are 18 years of age or over may stand for election.

A voter who, on the day the decision to call the election comes into force, has a registered domicile in the area of the unit for whose representative body the elections are being held, has the right to be elected member of a representative body of a unit.A voter who, on the day the decision to call the election comes into force, has had a registered domicile in the area of the unit for whose representative body the elections are being held for at least six months has the right to be elected municipality head, mayor or county prefect and their deputies. Citizens of other European Union member states have the right to be elected members of representative bodies of units, pursuant to a separate Act. (Local Elections Act, Article 3)

 

Electoral Eligibility-References:

 

Reasons for having the eligibility revoked

Last Updated : 2016-09-29

Voters and political parties may not nominate persons sentenced to an unconditional punishment of incarceration over six months in duration by a court decision in full force and effect if at the moment of the entry into force of the decision to call an election the punishment is being enforced or to be enforced.

Voters and political parties may not nominate persons whose rehabilitation terms under a special law have not expired at the moment of the entry into force of the decision to call an election, and who were sentenced by a court decision in full force and effect for any of the following:

1. criminal offences stipulated in Title IX of the Criminal Code against humanity and human dignity:  - genocide, a crime of aggression, a crime against humanity, a war crime, terrorism, terrorist association, torture, slavery,

 

2. criminal offences stipulated in Title X of the Criminal Code against life and body: aggravated murder.

(Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 9)

The mandate of a representative shall terminate before the end of his/her term if the representative:

1. tenders a resignation,

2. is deprived of the legal capacity by a court judgement with final force and effect,

3. is sentenced by a court judgement with final force and effect to a prison sentence exceeding six (6) months.

4. dies.

(Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 10)

??

Reasons for having the eligibility revoked-References:

 

Requirements for party registration

Last Updated : 2016-12-23

A political party may be established by at least 100 adults with working ability who are citizens of the Republic of Croatia. Under the same conditions prescribed by the statute, the member of a political party can be every adult with working ability who is citizen of the Republic of Croatia.

 

Political parties must be registered in the register of political parties kept by the Ministry in charge of administration. On the date of registration, the political party acquires legal ability. Political party ceases to exist by deleting from the register of political parties.

 

Parliamentary elections:

 

The Republic of Croatia is divided in XII. constituencies.

In I. to XI. constituency all political parties registered in the Republic of Croatia on the day of the publication of the decision to call elections shall have the right to nominate party slates for the elections of representatives to the Parliament.

Slates for the election of representatives to the Parliament may be independently nominated by a single political party, or by two or more political parties (coalition slate). ?

Political parties shall determine their party slates and the sequence of candidates on them independently, in the manner foreseen by their statutes, or pursuant to separate statutory decisions. Political parties shall nominate the person authorised to submit the party slate and nomination pursuant to the provisions of their respective statutes. The party slate shall include the same number of candidates as the number of representatives to be elected to the Parliament. If the person making the nomination proposes fewer candidates than the number of representatives to be elected to the Parliament, the party slate shall not be valid.

Voters may propose candidate slates on the basis of validly collected signatures.

The signatures of at least 500 voters are required for a valid nomination of an electoral constituency slate for the elections of representatives to the Parliament.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Requirements for party registration-References:

 

Candidate nomination

Last Updated : 2016-12-23

Parliamentary elections: Political parties registered in the Republic of Croatia, voters and national minority associations shall have the right to nominate candidates for national minority representatives and their substitutes.

At least one hundred voter signatures shall be required for a valid nomination of candidates. That is special procedure for the XII. constituency.   

Candidate nomination-References:

 

Candidate Registration (National Assembly members)

Last Updated : 2016-12-23

In our electoral law we don't have candidate registration.

Candidate Registration (National Assembly members) -References:

 

Candidate registration deposit

Last Updated : 2016-12-23

In our electoral laws we don't have candidate registration deposit.

Candidate registration deposit-References:

 

Uncontested Election

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Preparation of the voters list

Last Updated : 2016-09-30

The competent body in the republic of Croatia for voter's register is the Ministry of Administration.

Preparation of the voters list-References:

 

Whether the registration is compulsory (or not)

Last Updated : 2016-09-30

You have to be registered in order to vote.

 

Whether the registration is compulsory (or not)-References:

 

Who is responsible for the voters list

Last Updated : 2016-12-23

The Ministry of Administration.

Who is responsible for the voters list -References:

 

Voters list preparation procedure

Last Updated : 2016-12-23

A voters list is compiled whenever an election is held.

 

Voters list preparation procedure -References:

 

Inspection and objection procedure

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Definition

Last Updated : 2016-09-30

The election campaign is a set of actions taken by the participants of the elections for the purpose of public presentation and explain their election programmes to voters.

 

Definition-References:

 

Period

Last Updated : 2016-10-26

The election campaign for the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament shall commence on the day of the publication of the collective list of slates of the electoral constituencies, and shall end 24 hours before election day.

The election campaign for the Elections of the President of the Republic of Croatia shall commence on the day of the publication of the list of candidates for the President of the Republic, and shall end 24 hours before election day. ?

All election campaign promotions, the publication of election result forecasts and the publication of early, unofficial election returns, the publication of photographs in the public broadcast media, statements from and interviews with slate leaders and candidates and the citation of their statements or written work is prohibited on election day until the closing of polling stations and during the 24 hours prior to election day. (Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 28)

Period -References:

 

Methods

Last Updated : 2016-10-26

Methods are not prescribed by law. During the election campaign period the candidates are allowed to conduct the campaign using posters and various forms of literature, the mass media, the information and communications network and interviews and debates with candidates. The candidates can conduct the election campaign in the public places (markets, squares).

Methods-References:

 

Prohibited forms of campaigning

Last Updated : 2016-12-23

All candidates can campaign.

Prohibited forms of campaigning-References:

 

Campaign Finance

Last Updated : 2016-11-02

- Campaign expense limit

The campaign expense limits:

·       Elections for the President of the Republic of Croatia -8 mil. kuna’s per candidate

·       Elections of representatives to the Croatian Parliament -1,5 mil kuna’s in each constituency

·       Elections of Members of the European Parliament from the Republic of Croatia-1,5mil kuna’s

·       Local Elections -1 mil. kuna’s per candidate for the elections of Mayor of the city of Zagreb

-          600,000.00 kuna's in the case of elections for county prefect and mayor of major cities

-          250,000.00 kuna's in the case of elections for city and municipality head in local self-government units with a population exceeding 10,000;

-          100,000.00 kuna's in the case of elections for city and municipal chief officials in local self-government units with populations from 3,001 to 10,000;

-          50,000.00 kuna's in the case of elections for mayor and municipality head in local self-government units with a population not exceeding 3,000.

(Political activity and election campaign financing act, Article 17)

- Income and expenditure of campaign expense

- Report, public inspection, and open of income and expenditure

- Investigation on income and expenditure of campaign expense & actions

- Reimbursement of campaign expense

The election participants entitled to reimbursement of campaign expense from the state budget of the Republic of Croatia are :

- candidates in elections for the President of the Republic of Croatia with at least 10 % of valid votes

- political parties and independent lists in the elections for members of the European Parliament with at least 5 % of valid votes

- political parties and independent lists in the elections for representatives to the Croatian Parliament with more than 5% of the valid votes of the constituency

- political parties which have proposed candidates for the representatives of national minorities who have become members of the Croatian Parliament

- candidates for members of Croatian Parliament of national minorities accounting for less than 1.5% of the population of the Republic of Croatia, who did not become members in the Croatian Parliament, but have received more than 15% of the valid votes from voters in their constituency, shall be entitled to recover 15% of costs that would otherwise be recoverable by elected members of Croatian Parliament.

The following shall be entitled to recover election campaign costs from the budgets of local and regional self-government units:

-political parties and lists of a group of voters which win at least one seat in a representative body in elections for members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units;

-candidates who, at elections for municipality heads, city mayors, county prefects and the mayor of the City of Zagreb and their deputies, receive a minimum of 10% of valid votes from the total number of voters turning out for such elections;

-candidates who, at elections for municipality heads, city mayors, county prefects elected from among national minorities, receive a minimum of 10% of valid votes from the total number of voters turning out for such elections.

 

 

Campaign Finance-References:

 

Presiding officers

Last Updated : 2016-11-02

① How many of officers in a polling station

  Parliamentary elections: 10

The voters' committee shall be comprised of a chairperson and four members, and deputy members.

Local elections: 10

Elections for President of the Republic of Croatia: 6

Elections of members of the European Parliament ?from the Republic of Croatia: 10

② Roles of each officer

The chairperson of the voters' committee supervise all procedures during voting hours.

Roles of each member of the voters' committee

- at least one member verifies a voter’s identity

- at least one member issue ballot papers and assist and guide voters during

   voting

- at least one member supervise ballot boxes

③ How we nominate the officers

Parliamentary elections: The municipal and city electoral commissions shall submit proposals on the appointment of voters' committees in the territory of the municipality or city.

The chairperson of the voters' committee and his/her deputy may not be members of any political party and, whenever possible, should be from the legal profession. Two members and their deputies shall be designated by the majority political party or coalition, and two members and their deputies by the opposition political parties or coalition consistent with the current representation of parties in the Parliament.

Political parties shall designate members of voters' committees and submit their names to the competent electoral commissions at the latest eight days before election day. If they fail to designate them, or fail to submit their names to the competent electoral commissions within the deadline, such electoral commissions shall independently designate the members of voters' committees. (Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 68 and 69)?

Presiding officers-References:

 

Facilities or items a polling station is equipped with

Last Updated : 2016-09-29

Facilities or items a polling station is equipped with: Polling booths, ballot boxes, seats for voters and observers and other facilities necessary for the management of voting.

Facilities or items a polling station is equipped with-References:

 

Polling station location criteria

Last Updated : 2016-11-02

-distance (the polling station must be available to voters)

-number of voters (no more than 1500 voter on one polling station)

-usually placed at public institutions (for example: schools, village halls), places that are in property of units and exceptionally can be placed at private facilities

Polling station location criteria-References:

 

Voting hours

Last Updated : 2016-10-27

7 a.m. to 7 p. m. without interruptions (in the Republic of Croatia)

 At the seats of diplomatic missions and consular posts, voting shall be conducted over a period of two days, where it shall end on the same day as the closing of voting in the Republic of Croatia. (Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 80)

Polling stations shall be closed at 7.p.m., but voters found at polling stations at the moment of closing shall be allowed to vote. (Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 80)

Voting hours-References:

 

Voting

Last Updated : 2016-12-23

① Is compulsory or voluntary?

It is voluntary. Voters are free to declare their voting orientation and no one can be called to account for voting or for not voted. 

② How many ballot papers are distributed to each voter?

 Every voter receive one ballot paper but on local elections one voter will receive more than one ballot paper.

Voting -References:

 

Ballot Paper

Last Updated : 2016-10-27

① Determination of the order of candidates on ballots

Parliamentary elections:

The collective list of slates shall list the name of each electoral constituency slate. Party slates nominated in all electoral constituencies shall be the first ones to be entered on the collective slate of an electoral constituency, followed by party or independent slates in such electoral constituency, in alphabetical order by the full name of the political party, or two or more political parties nominating the slate, or in alphabetical order based on the last name of the first candidates on the independent slate. If several political parties propose a joint slate, it shall be included on the collective slate based on the name of the political party that is the first one in the nomination. Ballot paper for each constituency is the same like the collective list of slates of each electoral constituency.

Candidates shall be listed on the ballot in the order in which they are listed on list of candidates for the election of representatives of national minorities.

 

② What has to be included in the ballot paper?

The ballot shall include:

1. instruction about the manner of voting,

2. ordinal numbers and names of the slates in the order from the collective slate of candidates, and each slate should also include the ordinal numbers and names and surnames of candidates,

3. serial number.

(Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 5)

 

 

Ballot used to cast a vote in electoral constituencies electing national minority representative and their substitute shall include the following:

 

1. name and surname of the candidate and his/her substitute;

 

2. full and abbreviated name of the political party, or two or more parties that nominated the candidate. If a candidate is nominated by a voter group in accordance with the provisions of this Act, the words: "candidate of voter group" shall be stated to the left of the name and surname of such candidate,

 

3. serial number.

(Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 77) 

 

 

③ Ballot paper design or sample ballot paper

Ballot paper design for the election of representatives to the Croatian Parliament-you can vote for list

http://www.izbori.hr/izbori/ws.nsf/69DC1C731334305AC1257FFF00442781/$FILE/OZ-30.pdf

Ballot paper design  for the election of representatives to the Croatian Parliament in XII.constituency in which are elected representatives of the serbian minority

http://www.izbori.hr/izbori/ws.nsf/69DC1C731334305AC1257FFF00442781/$FILE/OZ-31.pdf??

④ Valid and invalid ballot paper

A valid ballot is the one that enables the will of the voter and the slate or candidate for whom the voter cast his/her vote to be established with certainty and beyond any doubt.

Ballot is spoiled where:

1. the ballot is left blank;

2. the ballot is filled in a manner that makes it impossible to determine the voter's decision and the slate/candidate for which/whom such voter cast his/her vote;

3. completing the ballot by casting one's vote for two or more slates or candidates;

4. the voter cast his/her vote on the ballot for candidates from different slates and failed to encircle one of the slates.

 

Ballot Paper-References:

 

Voting Procedures

Last Updated : 2016-10-27

- Start of voting

The voting starts at 7a.m. The members of voters' committee have to prepare the polling station and check ballot boxes and the election materials an hour before the start of voting.

- Process of voting

1. Identification on the voters list 

2. Receiving a ballot paper and the instructions how to fill up a ballot

3. Vote at a polling section

4. Inserting the ballot into a ballot box

All the time, during the elections, there should be at least three members of electoral committee present on polling station.

The chairperson of the voters' committee is obliged and authorised to ensure peace and order at polling stations.

- End of voting

The voting is ending at 7 p. m. but if there are some voters at the moment of closing, at polling stations, they shall be allowed to vote.

Voting Procedures -References:

 

Marking method

Last Updated : 2016-09-29

Voter encircles number only with pen.

Marking method-References:

 

Special voting (Absentee / Early / Proxy / Assisted / Postal / etc)

Last Updated : 2016-12-23

?? A voter is unable to vote, as a result of a physical disability or illiteracy, he may be accompanied at the polling station by another person who can read and who shall encircle the number as instructed by the voter. But if the voter is unable to appear at a polling station in person as a result of a serious illness, physical impairment or as a result of being infirm shall inform the voters' committee thereof at least three days before election day or the voters' committee on election day. The competent electoral commissions shall submit the requests received from voters to vote outside the polling station to the competent voters' committees along with all of the electoral material.

Special voting (Absentee / Early / Proxy / Assisted / Postal / etc)-References:

 

Counting Location

Last Updated : 2016-08-22

The polling stations

 

Counting Location-References:

 

Counting period

Last Updated : 2016-09-29

After closing the pollling stations.

Counting period-References:

 

Vote counting method

Last Updated : 2016-09-29

Manually.

 

Vote counting method-References:

 

Counting Procedures

Last Updated : 2016-09-29

- Start of counting

After closing the polling stations.  

 

- Process of counting

Members of electors' committee will first count and determine the numbers of non-use voters list and put them in the envelope and mark the number of those voters list.

The procedure of counting stars with opening the voters’ box and counting all the voters list in the box. The number of voters list in the voters’ box have to be equal or less than the number of voters who vote in that polling station. If the number is greater, the electors' committee shall stop counting and seal the box and charge it to City or municipal electoral commissions.

- End of counting

After the counting is finish, the members of electors' committee will fill its minutes and they shall submit their minutes and other election materials to the municipal or city electoral commission at the latest within 12 hours of the closing of polling stations.

 (Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 84 and 87)

Counting Procedures-References:

 

When are ballots recounted?

Last Updated : 2016-10-19

If political party, independent slate leader, candidates for reprsentaties to the Parliament, at least 100 voters or at least 5% of voters in an electoral constituency in which elections are conducted  submitt an objection again irregularities in the electoral prcedure.

When are ballots recounted?-References:

 

Who is eligible to vote for overseas voting?

Last Updated : 2017-01-10

Croatian voters with residence in the Republic of Croatia who are over 18 years old and outside the borders of the Republic of Croatia have right to vote in national elections and can participate in national referenda but they don't have right to vote in local election. 

 

Parliamentary elections: Croatian voters without residence in the Republic of Croatia shall be entitled to representation in the Parliament and they shall elect three representatives from candidate slates in a special electoral constituency.

Who is eligible to vote for overseas voting?-References:

 

Overseas voters list preparation

Last Updated : 2017-01-10

The Ministry of Administration

Overseas voters list preparation -References:

 

Where to vote

Last Updated : 2017-01-10

At diplomatic missions and consulate posts of the Republic of Croatia.

Where to vote-References:

 

Voting procedure for early voting

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Methods used to transport ballot papers

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Counting procedure

Last Updated : 2017-01-10

Manually at the polling station.

 

Counting procedure-References:

 

How is the elected candidate chosen in the case of a tie?

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Apportioning of National Assembly seats

Last Updated : 2016-10-25

The right to participate in the division of representative seats in an electoral constituency shall be exercised by those slates that win at least 5% of the valid ballots cast at the elections.

The number of representatives to the Parliament elected from each electoral constituency slate shall be determined as follows:

the total number of valid votes that each slate won is to be divided by the numerals from 1 to 14 conclusively, also taking into account the decimal places. Of all the results yielded, representative seats in the Parliament shall be won by those slates with the 14 numerically greatest results, decimal places included. Each of these slates shall win a number of representative seats in the Parliament corresponding to the number of individual results among the 14 numerically greatest results. The number of representatives elected from the slate shall be the number of mandates won by such slate,

preferred votes for individual candidates are taken into account if the number of preferred votes of a particular candidate is at least 10% of the votes won by a particular slate,

candidates elected from each slate are those who win the greatest number of preferred votes.

(Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 40 and 41)

Apportioning of National Assembly seats-References:

 

Results Announcement

Last Updated : 2016-10-25

After the closing the polling stations, the State Electoral Commission may publish preliminary and unofficial election results at its discretion.

The official results shall be published after all legal remedies in the protection of the right to vote are exhausted or when the deadlines for submitting such legal remedies expire.

(Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 94)

Results Announcement-References:

 

Is the announcement of preliminary result required?

Last Updated : 2016-12-23

Parliamentary elections: The State Electoral Commission may publish preliminary and unofficial election results at its discretion.

 

Is the announcement of preliminary result required? -References:

 

Deadline for announcement of final results

Last Updated : 2016-12-23

The official results shall be published after all legal remedies in the protection of the right to vote are axhausted or when the deadlines for submitting such legal remedies expire.

Deadline for announcement of final results-References:

 

Reason for holding a by- or re-election

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

By-election dates

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Electoral process

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Criteria for allocating free broadcast time

Last Updated : 2016-12-23

??Parliamentary elections:The legal framework requires that the national broadcast media, both public and private, provide coverage of all contestants on an equal basis regardless of the size of the party and previous performance. The Croatian national television and radio stations are obligated to follow the electoral campaign and to enable all those participating in the elections to present and explain their election programmes. They have to provide at least 5 minutes to every election participant for introduction to constituency. (Rules of conduct of the electronic media with national concessions in the Republic of Croatia during election campaign, Rule No.1 and 3).

During the escort of the election campaign all broadcast media are obliged, in their activities, to guarantee journalistic independence, professionalism and expertise, consistent compliance with the journalistic code of ethics and in particular the fundamental principle of the freedom of expression stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of Croatia, the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, guided by the interests of the public.

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Criteria for allocating free broadcast time-References:

 

Television debates

Last Updated : 2016-12-23

??Parliamentary elections:According to the Rules of conduct of the electronic media with national concessions in the Republic of Croatia during electoral campaign, enact from the Croatian Parliament, TV and radio stations have ability, only once during the election campaign period to organize Television battle between candidates for President of Republic of Croatia or candidates for the Prime Minister of Republic of Croatia. (Rules of conduct of the electronic media with national concessions in the Republic of Croatia during election campaign Rule No. 3 and 14)

Broadcasters of other media will decide independently to what extent they will follow the electoral campaign.

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Television debates-References:

 

Blackout period for release of election survey results

Last Updated : 2016-12-23

??Parliamentary elections:All election campaign promotions, the publication of election result forecasts and the publication of early, unofficial election returns, the publication of photographs in the public broadcast media, statements from and interviews with slate leaders and candidates and the citation of their statements or written work is prohibited on election day until the closing of polling stations and during the 24 hours prior to election day.

 

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Blackout period for release of election survey results-References:

 

Electoral dispute resolution mechanism

Last Updated : 2016-10-13

An objection against irregularities in the nomination procedure or electoral procedure may be submitted by any political party, independent slate leader, candidates for representatives to the Parliament, at least 100 voters or at least 5% of the voters in an electoral constituency and shall be submitted to the State Electoral Commission within 48 hours as of the expiration of the day on which the activity concerned occurred.

The State Electoral Commission shall issue a decision concerning the objection within 48 hours of the day on which the objection was submitted, or of the day on which election materials to which the objection relates were submitted.

If the State Election Commission, in rendering its decision on an objection, establishes that there were irregularities that significantly affected or could have affected the results of the elections, it shall declare the activities null and void and set a deadline for such activities to be repeated.

The applicant submitting a complaint shall have the right to file an appeal contesting a decision of the State Electoral Commission with the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Croatia. Appeals shall be filed with the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Croatia through the State Electoral Commission within 48 hours of the expiration of the day on which the contested decision was received. The Constitutional Court of the Republic of Croatia shall render its decision on the appeal within 48 hours of the date of its receipt.

(Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 96, 97, 98 and 100)

Electoral dispute resolution mechanism-References:

 

Alternative electoral dispute resolution mechanism

Last Updated : 2016-10-13

There is no alternative mechanism such as reconciliation, atbitration or mediation.

 

Alternative electoral dispute resolution mechanism-References:

 

Direct public funding

Last Updated : 2016-10-04

Political parties, independent members of Parliament and members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters may be financed from the state budget and from the budgets of local and regional self-government units, in the manner and under the conditions laid down in Political activity and election campaign financing act.

 The funds required for the regular annual financing of political parties and independent members of Parliament shall be secured in the state budget of the Republic of Croatia, and shall amount to 0.05% of operating expenses incurred as stated in the previously published annual budget execution report.

The funds required for the regular annual financing of political parties and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters shall be secured by local and regional self-government units in their budgets and shall be equal to any such amount as may be appropriated therein for each year for which such budgets are adopted.

Political parties their members in the Croatian Parliament and independent members of Parliament elected from independent lists shall be entitled to regular annual financing from the state budget.

Political parties with members in the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units and members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units who have been elected from a list of a group of voters shall be entitled to regular annual financing from the budgets of local and regional self-government units.

The funds shall be allocated by setting an equal amount thereof for each member of Parliament or each member of the representative body of local and regional self-government units, with each political party being entitled to receive any such funding as may be proportionate to the number of its member of Parliament or members of the representative body at the time of the constitution of the Croatian Parliament or of the representative body of such local and regional self-government unit.

For each elected member of Parliament or member of the representative body of a local and regional self-government unit who belongs to an under-represented gender, political parties shall also be entitled to a bonus of 10% of the amount allocated for each member of Parliament or member of a representative body of such local and regional self-government unit.

 

Direct public funding-References:

 

Private funding of political parties

Last Updated : 2016-10-12

- If so, is there limit on the amount a donor can contribute to candidate or political party

During the calendar year, the physical and legal person may make donations to political parties, independent representatives and members of representative bodies of local and regional government in single or multiple times. 

The total value of donations during the calendar year:

1.    Physical person: 30 000 Kuna’s 

2.     Legal person: 

-200, 000.00 Kuna’s when such donations are made to a political party or a candidate in elections for the President of the Republic of Croatia

-100,000.00 Kuna's when such donations are made to an independent member of Parliamet, an independent list or a candidate for national minority MP proposed by voters and national minority associations in the elections for members to the Croatian Parliament and the election of members to the European Parliament

-30,000.00 Kuna's when such donations are made to an independent member of a representative body of a local and regional self-government unit elected from a list of a group of voters and to a list of a group of voters or a candidate in elections at the local or regional level.

(Political activity and election campaign financing act, Article 11)

Private funding of political parties-References:

 

Regulation, monitoring and investigation

Last Updated : 2016-10-12

Political parties, independent members of Parliament and members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters, leaders of independent lists or leaders of lists of groups of voters and candidates shall report any value of donations exceeding the referred amounts to the State Audit Office and the State Election Commission or, if such donations have been made with a view to financing their election campaigns, to the State Election Commission, and shall pay it to the state budget not later than 8 days after the date when they received such payment.

It is provided by the Political activity and election campaign financing act.

Regulation, monitoring and investigation-References:

 

Regulation, monitoring and investigation bodies

Last Updated : 2016-10-12

The State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia and the State Audit Office.

The State Electoral Commission of the republic of Croatia and The State Audit Office shall inform    the State Attorneys Office of any identified breach of the Political activity and election campaign financing act.?

Regulation, monitoring and investigation bodies-References:

 

Which electoral processes are using ICTs?

Last Updated : 2016-10-03

-Homepage of the State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia

-e-learning for members of the voters commiettee-elections of the President of the Republic of Croatia and electionsof the representatives to the Croatian Parliament

-processing of results

 

Which electoral processes are using ICTs? -References:

 

When it was introduced

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Gender equality

Last Updated : 2016-10-03

At the time of establishing and nominating party slates and independent slates for the elections of representatives to the Parliament, the persons nominating the slates shall act in conformity with the principle of gender equality and bear in mind a balanced representation of women and men on such slates. The slate is in line with a principle if the slate includes at least 40% of persons of both genders. (Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 21. a)

 

Gender equality-References:

 

Aids for disabled or handicapped voters

Last Updated : 2016-10-03

If a voter is unable to vote, as a result of a physical disability or illiteracy, he may be accompanied at the polling station by another person who can read and who shall encircle the number as instructed by the voter. But if the voter is unable to appear at a polling station in person as a result of a serious illness, physical impairment or as a result of being infirm shall inform the competent electoral commission thereof at least three days before election day or the voters' committee on election day. The competent electoral commissions shall submit the requests received from voters to vote outside the polling station to the competent voters' committees along with all of the electoral material.

 

With respect to the realisation of the right to vote of voters who appear at the polling station, but who do not have access to the polling station, because of their physical disability or for some other reason two, the chairperson of the voters' committee shall designate at least two members of the voters' committee who shall visit the voter and enable him/her to cast a ballot.

 

Aids for disabled or handicapped voters -References:

 

Voter education

Last Updated : 2016-10-03

The State Electoral Commission inform voters about the implementation of the election and the possibility of exercising the protection of the right to vote in the electoral process throw the website www.izbori.hr.

 

Voter education-References:

 

National civic education

Last Updated : 2016-08-22

conducted by the National Electoral Management Body - conducted by NGOs/ Civic Organizations

 

National civic education-References:

 

EMB Staff education

Last Updated : 2016-12-23

The State Electoral Commission implement training for the members of electoral commissions and e-learning for the members of electors comittee.

EMB Staff education-References:

 

Domestic observation

Last Updated : 2016-10-03

The election procedure, the implementation of elections and the work of electoral bodies may be observed by the following:

-observers from political parties registered in the Republic of Croatia that nominated the slate of candidates or a candidate (hereinafter: "political party observers"),

-observers of voters who nominated an independent slate or a candidate (hereinafter: "voter observers"),

-observers from non-governmental organisations registered in the Republic of Croatia as an association engaged in the field of independent observing of election procedures, that is, the promotion of human and civil rights (hereinafter: "NGO observers").

A candidate at the elections may not be observer at such elections.

 

 

Domestic observation-References:

 

International observation

Last Updated : 2016-10-03

Representatives from international organizations engaged in the Republic of Croatia, representatives of diplomatic-consular missions located in the Republic of Croatia, representatives of associations of world election bodies and representatives of election bodies from other countries are entitled to a status of international observers.

During the observation, they are legally equal to domestic observers.

International observation-References:

 

International observation

Last Updated : 2016-10-03

Representatives from international organizations engaged in the Republic of Croatia, representatives of diplomatic-consular missions located in the Republic of Croatia, representatives of associations of world election bodies and representatives of election bodies from other countries are entitled to a status of international observers.

During the observation, they are legally equal to domestic observers.

International observation-References:

 

Partnerships/MoUs

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

International Activities

Last Updated : 2016-12-23

The Republic of Croatia has been a full-fledged OSCE participant state since 24 March 1992 and has since been regularly and equally participating in its activities through its Permanent Mission to the OSCE, UN, and other international organisations in Vienna, as well as though regular direct participation of the representatives of Croatia’s relevant bodies and institutions in the political and expert meetings held within the OSCE. 

 

The State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia is a member of:

-OSCE-ODIHR

-IFES

-A-WEB

-ACEEEO

-IDEA International

International Activities-References:

 

Major challenges to elections

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Measures taken to deal with those Challenges

Last Updated : 2016-05-03