Croatia to hold run-off presidential vote

Former Croatian prime minister Zoran Milanović will face incumbent president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović in a run-off election on January 5 after no candidate won an outright majority in a first round of voting


Zoran Milanović, 53
Social Democratic Party (SDP) 
Outspoken former Prime Minister backed by liberal opposition, has accused ruling party of widespread corruption and of turning Croatia towards right-wing nationalism during past several years

Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, 51 
Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) 
Known for flirting with extreme right while seeking also to portray herself as peoples’ president. Retaining post is important for HDZ, as Croatia prepares for its six-month term in EU presidency


FIRST ROUND VOTING: After 99 percent of votes counted*

29.5% Zoran Milanović SDP
26.7% Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović HDZ
24.4% Miroslav Škoro Independent

*Top three candidates shown. First two out of 11 candidates go to second round of voting


Coat of arms of President of Croatia

President’s role is largely ceremonial – office holder cannot veto laws, but has say in foreign policy and defence matters
                                             

Sources: AP, Reuters 
Pictures: Getty Images 
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