Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 39: Electoral constituencies are regulated in the Act on Electoral Constituencies for the Election
of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, such that the difference between the numbers
of voters in electoral constituencies may not be greater than ± 5%.
The territories of the counties, cities and municipalities in the Republic of Croatia as
determined by law shall be taken into account to the greatest possible extent when
determining electoral constituencies.
Source: Electoral Law: Act on Election of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament as amended in 2015
art. 38, 39, 40
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7663/file/Croatia_Parliamentary_Elections_Act_2003_am2015_en.pdf
Law on Constituencies: The Law on Constituencies for the Election of Representatives to the House of Representatives of Croatian National Parliament (“Narodne novine” No. 116/99).
http://www.legislationline.org/documents/action/popup/id/5865
Verified: 2025/04/14
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments: Electoral Law: Article 39:
The constituencies shall be determined by the Act on constituencies for the election of the representatives to the Croatian Parliament, in a manner that the number of voters in the constituencies must not differ more than + - 5%.
The territories of the counties, cities and municipalities in the Republic of Croatia as
determined by law shall be taken into account to the greatest possible extent when
determining electoral constituencies.
Source: Electoral Law: Act on Election of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament (116/99)(consolidated wording with amendments No. 109/00 and 53/03), art. 39.
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7663/file/Croatia_Parliamentary_Elections_Act_2003_am2015_en.pdf
Law on Constituencies: The Law on Constituencies for the Election of Representatives to the House of Representatives of Croatian National Parliament (“Narodne novine” No. 116/99).
http://www.legislationline.org/documents/action/popup/id/5865
Verified: 2025/04/14
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber)
Comments: Art. 39
Electoral constituencies are regulated in the Act on Electoral Constituencies for the Election
of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, such that the difference between the numbers
of voters in electoral constituencies may not be greater than ± 5%.
Source: Electoral Law: Act on Election of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament (116/99)(consolidated wording with amendments No. 109/00 and 53/03), art. 36.
http://www.parliament.am/library/Electoral%20law/xorvatia.pdf
Law on Constituencies: The Law on Constituencies for the Election of Representatives to the House of Representatives of Croatian National Parliament (“Narodne novine” No. 116/99) art. 39
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7663/file/Croatia_Parliamentary_Elections_Act_2003_am2015_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/04/14
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
c . Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: Article 95: The President of the Republic shall be elected in direct elections by secret ballot, on the basis of universal and equal suffrage, for a term of five years.
No one shall be elected the President of the Republic more than twice.
The President of the Republic shall be elected by a majority of vote of all electors who have voted. If none of the candidates has obtained such a majority, new elections shall be held after 14 days. The two candidates who obtained the largest number of votes in the first election shall have the right to stand at the new election. If one of these candidates withdraws, the candidate who is next in the number of votes obtained shall acquire the right to stand for the new election.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Croatia as revised in 2013, art. 95
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Croatia_2013?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/02
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
c . Indirectly elected by legislature/chosen by parliament
Comments: Art. 109:
The person to whom the President of the Republic confides the mandate to form the Government shall propose its members.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Croatia as revised in 2013, art. 109
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Croatia_2013?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/02
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 94: The President of the Republic of Croatia shall represent and act on behalf of the Republic of Croatia at home and abroad.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Croatia as revised in 2013, art. 94.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Croatia_2013?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/02
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: Article 70:
The Croatian Parliament (Sabor) is a representative body of the people and is vested with the legislative power in the Republic of Croatia.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Croatia as revised in 2013, art. 71.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Croatia_2013?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/02
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: Article 38: Representatives to the Parliament shall be elected based on proportional representation and
preferential voting.
Source: Electoral Law: Act on Election of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament (116/99) (consolidated wording with amendments No. 109/00 and 53/03), art. 38
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7663/file/Croatia_Parliamentary_Elections_Act_2003_am2015_en.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/02
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation d . Regulations or administrative rules
Comments:
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Croatia.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Croatia_2013?lang=en
Electoral Law: Act on Election of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7663/file/Croatia_Parliamentary_Elections_Act_2003_am2015_en.pdf
Law on the Election of the Representative Bodies of Local and Regional Self-Government Units (2001).
Law on the Croatian Radio-Television (2001).
Law on List of Voters (1992).
Law on the Constituencies for the Election of Representatives to the House of Representatives of the Croatian State Parliament (1999).
Act on the State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia (2006).
Electoral Code of Ethics (2007)
Verified: 2020/07/02
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections b . Regional elections c . Local elections d . Referendums e . Other
Comments: Referendums are regulated at some level in the Constitution of the Republic of Croatia and on local and regional level - in the Law on Local and Regional Self-Government.
Source: Electoral Law: Act on Election of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7663/file/Croatia_Parliamentary_Elections_Act_2003_am2015_en.pdf
Law on the Election of the Representative Bodies of Local and Regional Self-Government Units (2001).
Law on Local and Regional Self-Government (2001).
Law on the Croatian Radio-Television (2001).
Law on List of Voters (1992).
Law on the Constituencies for the Election of Representatives to the House of Representatives of the Croatian State Parliament (1999).
Act on the State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia (2006).
Electoral Code of Ethics (2007)
the Constitution of the Republic of Croatia
Verified: 2020/07/02
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: Article 45 of the Constitution, as amended: All Croatian citizens who have reached the age of eighteen years (voters) shall be entitled to universal and equal suffrage in elections for the Croatian Parliament, the President of the Republic of Croatia and the European Parliament and in decision-making procedures by national referendum, in compliance with law.
Source: Article 45 of the Constitution of Croatia, as amended in 2013
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Croatia_2013?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/02
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary b . EMB
Comments: Article 96: The Constitutional Court of the Republic of Croatia shall oversee the constitutionality and
lawfulness of elections.
Article 98: An objection for irregularities in the nomination procedure and in the election procedure is to be presented to the National Election Commission within 48 hours from the expiry of the day when the disputable activity has been performed.
Source: Electoral Law: Act on Election of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament (116/99) (consolidated wording with amendments No. 109/00 and 53/03), art. 96-98.
http://www.parliament.am/library/Electoral%20law/xorvatia.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/02
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level d . Other kinds of elections (church, union, etc.) Please specify.
Comments: Article 11: The Commission 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.
Source: Act on the State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia (2007), art. 11.
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/2264/file/Croatia_Act_State_Electoral_Commission_2006.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/06
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: Funds for the work of the Commission are ensured in the State Budget of the Republic of Croatia, which is adopted by the Croatian Parliament.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Croatia as revised in 2013 art. 110.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Croatia_2013?lang=en
Act on the State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia (2006), art. 26.
http://www.legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/2264/file/Croatia_Act_State_Electoral_Commission_2006.pdf
Electoral Law: Act on Election of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament (116/99) (consolidated wording with amendments No. 109/00 and 53/03), art. 82.
Verified: 2020/07/06
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: Article 82: Financial means for the coverage of election expenditures are being ensured in the state budget of the Republic of Croatia, and the National Election Commission disposes of them.
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.
The National Election Commission shall publish in the media of public communication a complete report on the amounts of expenditures of elections and the manner of their spending within 30 days from the day of the official announcements of the election results.
Source: Electoral Law: Act on Election of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament (116/99) (consolidated wording with amendments No. 109/00 and 53/03), art. 82.
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/1154/file/71c13d3cb8431393409819c98e04.pdf
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7662/file/Croatia_Amendments_to_Law_Elections_President_2014_en.pdf (as amended in 2014)
Verified: 2020/07/06
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: Act on the State Electoral Commission: Article 3: The Commission consists in its permanent composition of the Chairperson, four Vice-Chairpersons and four other members.
The Chairperson of the Commission is the President of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Croatia who is appointed for a four-year term of office.
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.
Source: Act on the State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia (2006) (with the Act of Amendments to the Act on the State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia), art. 3-4 & 7.
http://www.legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/2264/file/Croatia_Act_State_Electoral_Commission_2006.pdf
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/2265/file/Croatia_Amendments_Central_Electoral_Comm_2007.pdf (as amended in 2007)
Verified: 2020/07/06
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: Article 2: The Commission is a permanent, independent state body.
Source: Act on the State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia (2006), art. 2.
http://www.legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/2264/file/Croatia_Act_State_Electoral_Commission_2006.pdf
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/2265/file/Croatia_Amendments_Central_Electoral_Comm_2007.pdf (amended)
Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_Annex_A.pdf)
Verified: 2020/07/06
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: 9 members.
Article 3: The Commission consists in its permanent composition of the Chairperson, four Vice-Chairpersons and four other members.
Source: Act on the State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia (2006) (with the Act of Amendments to the Act on the State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia), art. 3.
http://www.legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/2264/file/Croatia_Act_State_Electoral_Commission_2006.pdfhttps://wwwlegislationline.org/download/id/2265/file/Croatia_Amendments_Central_Electoral_Comm_2007.pdf (amended)
Verified: 2020/07/06
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: Article 5: Two 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.
Article 8: The Vice-Chairpersons who are not from the ranks of judges and members of the Commission must be citizens of the Republic of Croatia residing in the territory of the Republic of Croatia, with the general right to election, who are law graduates with 10 years of work experience in the field of law, knowledge of the political and electoral systems and who are not members of any political party.
Source: Act on the State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia (2006) (with the Act of Amendments to the Act on the State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia), art. 5 & 8.
http://www.legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/2264/file/Croatia_Act_State_Electoral_Commission_2006.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/06
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State d . Opposition e . Legislature f . Judiciary g . Political parties
Comments: Constitution: Article 118(2): The President of the Supreme Court (which is also the Chairperson of the Commission) of the Republic of Croatia shall be appointed and relieved from duty by the Croatian Parliament at the proposal of the President of the Republic, with a prior opinion of the general session of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Croatia and of the authorized committee of the Croatian Parliament.
Act on the State Electoral Commission: Article 5: Two 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.
Article 7: 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. One Vice-Chairperson who is not from the ranks of judges and two members are proposed for election by the majority political party or coalition, and the other Vice-Chairperson and two members are 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.
Source: Act on the State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia (2007) (with the Act of Amendments to the Act on the State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia), art. 4-5 & 7.
http://www.legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/2264/file/Croatia_Act_State_Electoral_Commission_2006.pdf
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/2265/file/Croatia_Amendments_Central_Electoral_Comm_2007.pdf (amended)
Verified: 2020/07/06
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body i . Media
Comments: Article 11: The Commission shall inform citizens on the holding of elections and the opportunities for exercising and protecting electoral rights in the election process.
In line with their responsibilities, the SEC implemented cascade training for lower-level election commissions and provided specific election information for candidates, first-time voters, and the general electorate through leaflets and a few TV and radio spots.
Source: Act on the State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia (2006), art. 11.
http://www.legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/2264/file/Croatia_Act_State_Electoral_Commission_2006.pdf
OSCE/ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission Report on the Parliamentary Elections in Croatia on 4 December 2011 (Warsaw, 2011): http://www.osce.org/odihr/87655
Verified: 2025/04/14
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
d . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/07/06
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body h . Yes, conducted by NGOs/ Civic Organizations
Comments: Article 11: The Commission is publishing periodical expert publications pertaining to the electoral system, holding of elections and practice.
In advance of the election, GONG also undertook a widespread civic education campaign, and provided input into the development of the instructional manuals for Voting Committees published by the SEC in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program.
Source: Act on the State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia (2006), art. 11.
http://www.legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/2264/file/Croatia_Act_State_Electoral_Commission_2006.pdf
GONG observes the election process for Croatian Parliamentary Elections 2011
www.gong.hr/news.aspx?newsID=3748&pageID=2
Verified: 2025/04/14
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: All Croatian citizens who have reached the age of eighteen years (voters) shall be entitled to universal and equal suffrage in elections for the Croatian Parliament, the President of the Republic of Croatia and the European Parliament and in decision-making procedures by national referendum, in compliance with law.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Croatia as revised on 06 July 2010, art. 45.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Croatia_2013?lang=en
Electoral Law: Act on Election of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament (116/99) (consolidated wording with amendments No. 109/00 and 53/03), art. 4(1).
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/1154/file/71c13d3cb8431393409819c98e04.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/06
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship
Comments: Article 45: All Croatian citizens of the Republic of Croatia who have reached the age of eighteen years shall have universal and equal suffrage. This right shall be exercised through direct elections by secret ballot.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Croatia as revised on 06 July 2010, art. 45.
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/2264/file/Croatia_Act_State_Electoral_Commission_2006.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/06
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
f . No information available
Comments:
Source: Law on list of Voters
http://www.legislationline.org/documents/action/popup/id/5867
Verified: 2020/07/06
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source: Law on list of Voters
http://www.legislationline.org/documents/action/popup/id/5867
Verified: 2020/07/06
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement) f . Other
Comments: Article l9: The right to propose party lists for the election of representatives to Parliament have all the political parties, that are registered in the Republic of Croatia on the day of publishing the resolution on calling of elections in the official gazette "Narodne novine".
Article 20: For legally valid proposal of a constituency list for the election of a representative to Parliament, minimally 500 voters' signatures must be collected.
Article 21: The proposals must arrive to the National Election Commission of Republic of Croatia not later than 14 days from the day of election calling.
In the constituency list proposal for the election of a representative to Parliament, the name of the list must be stated, and candidates must be ordered from the ordinal number 1 to the final number 14.
Source: Electoral Law: Act on Election of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament (116/99) (consolidated wording with amendments No. 109/00 and 53/03), art. 19-21.
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/1154/file/71c13d3cb8431393409819c98e04.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/06
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship
Comments: Article 4: (2) A Croatian citizen with full 18 years of age can be elected for a representative.
Source: Electoral Law: Act on Election of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament (116/99) (consolidated wording with amendments No. 109/00 and 53/03), art. 4:2.
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/1154/file/71c13d3cb8431393409819c98e04.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/06
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
b . In presidential elections
Comments: The law does not allow for individual independent candidates, but only for groups of independent candidates.
Source: Electoral Law: Act on Election of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament (116/99) (consolidated wording with amendments No. 109/00 and 53/03), art. 19-21;
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/1154/file/71c13d3cb8431393409819c98e04.pdf
The Law on the Election of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Art. 12
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7662/file/Croatia_Amendments_to_Law_Elections_President_2014_en.pdf
OSCE/ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission Report on the Parliamentary Elections in Croatia on 4 December 2011 (Warsaw, 2011): http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/85778
OSCE/ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission Final Report on the Presidential Election in Croatia on 27 December 2009 and 10 January 2010 (Warsaw, 2010): http://www.osce.org/documents/odihr-el/2010/04/43364_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/04/15
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: Article 2: (2) Political parties may, for the purpose of fulfilling their political goals, acquire funds from membership fees, voluntary contributions (donations), publishing activities, sales of publicity materials, organization of party events, property in their ownership and other legally stipulated sources.
(3) Political parties may be financed from the State Budget and the budgets of local and regional self-government units in the manner and under the conditions provided for in this Act.
Source: Electoral Law: The Act on the Financing of Political Parties, Independent Lists and Candidates (No.: 006-01/06-02/01, 15 December 2006), art. 2:2. 2:3.
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/4681/file/Croatia%20Financing%20Political%20Parties_Act_2006_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/04/15
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Based on result of previous election
Comments: Article 7: Funds for the regular annual financing of political parties are provided in the State Budget of the Republic of Croatia in the amount of 0.056 % of State Budget current expenditure funds for the previous year.
Article 9: (1) The funds referred to in Article 7 of this Act shall be distributed in the following manner: an equal amount of funds per each Member of the Croatian Parliament shall be determined, and a single political party shall be entitled to funds in proportion to the number of its Members of Parliament when the Croatian Parliament is constituted.
Article 10: For each elected Member of Parliament representing an underrepresented gender, political parties shall be entitled to a compensation totalling 10 % of the amount envisaged for each Member of Parliament and specified in Article 9, paragraph 1 of this Act.
Source: Electoral Law: The Act on the Financing of Political Parties, Independent Lists and Candidates (No.: 006-01/06-02/01, 15 December 2006), art. 7, 9-10.
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/4681/file/Croatia%20Financing%20Political%20Parties_Act_2006_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/04/15
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 2: (2) Political parties may, for the purpose of fulfilling their political goals, acquire funds from membership fees, voluntary contributions (donations), publishing activities, sales of publicity materials, organization of party events, property in their ownership and other legally stipulated sources.
Source: Electoral Law: The Act on the Financing of Political Parties, Independent Lists and Candidates (No.: 006-01/06-02/01, 15 December 2006), art. 2:3.
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/4681/file/Croatia%20Financing%20Political%20Parties_Act_2006_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/04/15
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: Article 72: (3) After establishing the number of voters who have cast their vote, the committee opens the ballot-box and counts the votes.
Source: Electoral Law: Act on Election of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament (116/99) (consolidated wording with amendments No. 109/00 and 53/03), art. e
https://www.izbori.hr/site/en/elections-referenda/elections-of-representatives-to-the-croatian-parliament/1724
Verified: 2025/04/15
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request
Comments: The State Election Commission informed the OSCE/ODIHR LEOM that it would, in
practice, recount and review ballots, although not explicitly provided for by law.
Source: OSCE/ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission Final Report on Presidential election in the Republic of Croatia, 27 December 2009 and 10 January 2010, http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/67596
OSCE/ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission Final Report on Parliamentary elections in the Republic of Croatia, 4 December 2011
http://www.osce.org/odihr/87655
Verified: 2025/04/15
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: The LERCP and the 2003 “Rules of Procedure for Electronic Media with National Concession in the Republic of Croatia during the Election Campaign” (amended in 2007) regulate the media coverage during the official campaign period. The legal framework requires that the national broadcast media, both public and private, provide coverage of all contestants on an equal basis. While the private media may choose to abstain from campaign coverage, the national public broadcaster HRT has the obligation to air a variety of special election programmes that cover contestants’ platforms and campaign activities, as well as to provide ten-minute slots of free airtime in both TV and radio programmes for each contestant.
Source: OSCE/ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission Report on the Parliamentary Elections in Croatia on 4 December 2011 (Warsaw, 2011):
http://www.osce.org/odihr/87655
Verified: 2020/07/06
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments:
Source: OSCE/ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission Report on the Parliamentary Elections in Croatia on 4 December 2011 (Warsaw, 2011):
http://www.osce.org/odihr/87655
OSCE/ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission Final Report on the Presidential Election in Croatia on 27 December 2009 and 10 January 2010 (Warsaw, 2010): http://www.osce.org/documents/odihr-el/2010/04/43364_en.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/06
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/07/06
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/07/06
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 1: (2) Power in the Republic of Croatia derives from the people and belongs to the people as a community of free and equal citizens.
(3) The people shall exercise this power through the election of representatives and through direct decision-making.
Article 2: (4) The Croatian Parliament (Sabor) or the people directly shall, independently and in accordance with the Constitution and law, decide:
-on the regulation of economic, legal and political relations in the Republic of Croatia
-on the preservation of natural and cultural wealth and its utilization
-on association into alliances with other states.
Article 87: (1) The Croatian Parliament may call a referendum on a proposal for the amendment of the Constitution, on a bill, or any other issue within its competence.
(2) The President of the Republic may, at the proposal of the Government and with the counter-signature of the Prime Minster, call a referendum on a proposal for the amendment of the Constitution or any other issue which he considers to be important for the independence, unity and existence of the Republic of Croatia.
(3) The Croatian Parliament shall call a referendum upon the issues from sections 1 and 2 of this Article when so demanded by ten percent of all voters in the Republic of Croatia.
(4) At such a referendum, the decision shall be made by the majority of the voters who have voted, provided that the majority of the total number of electors have taken part in the referendum.
Article 133: (3) Citizens may directly participate in administering local affairs, through meetings, referenda and other forms of direct decision-making, in conformity with law and statute.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Croatia as revised on 06 July 2010, art. 1, 2, 87 & 133.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Croatia_2013?lang=en
Verified: 2025/04/15
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 87: (1) The Croatian Parliament may call a referendum on a proposal for the amendment of the Constitution, on a bill, or any other issue within its competence.
(2) The President of the Republic may, at the proposal of the Government and with the counter-signature of the Prime Minster, call a referendum on a proposal for the amendment of the Constitution or any other issue which he considers to be important for the independence, unity and existence of the Republic of Croatia.
(3) The Croatian Parliament shall call a referendum upon the issues from sections 1 and 2 of this Article when so demanded by ten percent of all voters in the Republic of Croatia.
Article 142: (4) Any decision concerning the association of the Republic of Croatia shall be made on a referendum by a majority vote of the total number of electors in the State.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Croatia as revised on 06 July 2010, art. 87 & 142.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Croatia_2013?lang=en
Verified: 2025/04/15
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 87 (1) The Croatian Parliament may call a referendum on a proposal for the amendment of the Constitution, on a bill, or any other issue within its competence.
(2) The President of the Republic may, at the proposal of the Government and with the counter-signature of the Prime Minster, call a referendum on a proposal for the amendment of the Constitution or any other issue which he considers to be important for the independence, unity and existence of the Republic of Croatia.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Croatia as revised on 06 July 2010, art. 87.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Croatia_2013?lang=en
Verified: 2025/04/15
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: "The Croatian Parliament shall call a referendum upon the issues from sections 1 and 2 of this Article when so demanded by ten percent of all voters in the Republic of Croatia".
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Croatia as revised on 06 July 2010, Art. 87 (3).
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Croatia_2013?lang=en
Verified: 2025/04/15
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2015/11/16
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2015/11/16
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments: Article 87: (5) Decisions made at referenda shall be binding.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Croatia as revised on 06 July 2010, art. 87(5)
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Croatia_2013?lang=en
Verified: 2025/04/15
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments: Article 86: (1) The Croatian Parliament may call a referendum on a proposal for the amendment of the Constitution, on a bill, or any other issue within its competence.
(2) The President of the Republic may, at the proposal of the Government and with the counter-signature of the Prime Minster, call a referendum on a proposal for the amendment of the Constitution or any other issue which he considers to be important for the independence, unity and existence of the Republic of Croatia.
(3) The Croatian Parliament shall call a referendum upon the issues from sections 1 and 2 of this Article when so demanded by ten percent of all voters in the Republic of Croatia.
Article 141: (4) Any decision concerning the association of the Republic of Croatia shall be made on a referendum by a majority vote of the total number of electors in the State.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Croatia as revised on 06 July 2010, art. 87 & 142.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Croatia_2013?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/06
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 133: (3) Citizens may directly participate in administering local affairs, through meetings, referenda and other forms of direct decision-making, in conformity with law and statute.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Croatia as revised on 06 July 2010, art. 133(3).
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Croatia_2013?lang=en
Verified: 2025/04/15
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections d . At specially designated polling stations
Comments: Art. 7.
Voters with residence in the Republic of Croatia shall vote at polling stations in the territory
of the Republic of Croatia designated according to their place of residence.
Voters with residence in the Republic of Croatia, but who are serving in the Armed Forces of
the Republic of Croatia on election day, who are in peace operations and missions on election
day, who as members of the crews of maritime and river ships flying the Croatian flag are
outside its borders, on floating facilities within interior sea waters or territorial sea of the
Republic of Croatia, voters found in social welfare institutions and voters deprived of their
freedom, shall vote at special polling stations designated pursuant to the provisions of this Act.
Voters with residence in the Republic of Croatia, but who are outside the borders of the
Republic of Croatia on election day, shall vote for representatives of an electoral constituency
based on their residence in the territory of the Republic of Croatia at the seat of a diplomatic
mission or consular post of the Republic of Croatia, subject to prior registration or
confirmation for the purposes of voting outside the place of residence.
Source: Electoral Law: Act on Election of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament (116/99) (consolidated wording with amendments No. 109/00 and 53/03), art. 7.
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7663/file/Croatia_Parliamentary_Elections_Act_2003_am2015_en.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/06
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
c . Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation)
Comments: Art. 7.
Voters with residence in the Republic of Croatia shall vote at polling stations in the territory
of the Republic of Croatia designated according to their place of residence.
Voters with residence in the Republic of Croatia, but who are serving in the Armed Forces of
the Republic of Croatia on election day, who are in peace operations and missions on election
day, who as members of the crews of maritime and river ships flying the Croatian flag are
outside its borders, on floating facilities within interior sea waters or territorial sea of the
Republic of Croatia, voters found in social welfare institutions and voters deprived of their
freedom, shall vote at special polling stations designated pursuant to the provisions of this Act.
Voters with residence in the Republic of Croatia, but who are outside the borders of the
Republic of Croatia on election day, shall vote for representatives of an electoral constituency
based on their residence in the territory of the Republic of Croatia at the seat of a diplomatic
mission or consular post of the Republic of Croatia, subject to prior registration or
confirmation for the purposes of voting outside the place of residence.
Source: Electoral Law: Act on Election of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament (116/99) (consolidated wording with amendments No. 109/00 and 53/03), art. 7(2) & (3).
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7663/file/Croatia_Parliamentary_Elections_Act_2003_am2015_en.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/06
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates c . Special polling stations
Comments: Art. 7
Voters with residence in the Republic of Croatia shall vote at polling stations in the territory
of the Republic of Croatia designated according to their place of residence.
Voters with residence in the Republic of Croatia, but who are serving in the Armed Forces of
the Republic of Croatia on election day, who are in peace operations and missions on election
day, who as members of the crews of maritime and river ships flying the Croatian flag are
outside its borders, on floating facilities within interior sea waters or territorial sea of the
Republic of Croatia, voters found in social welfare institutions and voters deprived of their
freedom, shall vote at special polling stations designated pursuant to the provisions of this Act.
Voters with residence in the Republic of Croatia, but who are outside the borders of the
Republic of Croatia on election day, shall vote for representatives of an electoral constituency
based on their residence in the territory of the Republic of Croatia at the seat of a diplomatic
mission or consular post of the Republic of Croatia, subject to prior registration or
confirmation for the purposes of voting outside the place of residence.
Source: Electoral Law: Act on Election of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament (116/99) (consolidated wording with amendments No. 109/00 and 53/03), art. 7(2) & (3).
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7663/file/Croatia_Parliamentary_Elections_Act_2003_am2015_en.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/06
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: Art. 62
The voting is to be performed personally, by means of a voting slip.
No one can vote instead of another person.
The voting slip shall be printed in the state printing press determined by and supervised by the National
Election Commission.
Each voting slip must have a serial number printed.
Source: Electoral Law: Act on Election of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament (116/99) (consolidated wording with amendments No. 109/00 and 53/03), art. 62
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7663/file/Croatia_Parliamentary_Elections_Act_2003_am2015_en.pdf
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/1154/file/71c13d3cb8431393409819c98e04.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/06
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