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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
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . The legislature (national/subnational)
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, article 39.
Law on electoral precincts.
Verified: 2002/08/23
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
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
c . Number of registered voters
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, article 39 (paragraph 1).
Verified: 2002/08/23
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
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
c . Changes in numbers of registered voters f . Changes in distribution of registered voters g . Changes in administrative boundaries
Comments: Electoral Code, article 39.
Source:
Verified: 2002/08/23
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
ES006
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
k . The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source: Constitution, articles 70 and 71.
Verified: 2002/09/12
ES007
Question: If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer:
a . d'Hondt Formula
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, article 40.
Verified: 2002/08/23
ES008
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
Answer(s):
b . Specially delimited constituencies c . Regional/provincial level
Comments: b) (1) Special constituency for Croatian citizens living abroad; (2) special constituency for ethnic minorities.
Source: Electoral Code, articles: 16, 17, 38 and 46.
Verified: 2002/08/23
ES009
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of only one chamber.
Source: Constitution, articles 70 and 71.
Verified: 2002/08/23
ES010
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: (1) Special constituency for Croatian citizens living abroad; (2) special constituency for ethnic minorities.
Source: Electoral Code, articles: 16, 17, 38 and 46.
Verified: 2002/08/23
ES012
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
c . The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source: Constitution, articles 70 and 71.
Verified: 2002/08/23
ES014
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: 5%
Source: Electoral Code, article 41.
Verified: 2002/08/23
ES015
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Constitution, articles 70 and 71.
Verified: 2002/08/23
ES016
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: Only electoral lists take part in elections.
Source:
Verified: 2002/08/07
ES017
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Constitution, articles 70 and 71.
Verified: 2002/08/23
ES018
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
a . At fixed intervals (specify length) c . On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
Comments: a: Every four years.
c: A non-working day.
Source: Constitution, articles 72 and 73., Electoral Code Article 5. Paragraph (3)
Verified: 2002/08/28
ES019
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Constitution, articles 70 and 71.
Verified: 2002/08/23
ES020
Question: Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
a . Voting takes place on one day
Comments: In diplomatic and consular offices voting takes place in two days, being the second day the same as the voting day in the Republic of Croatia.
Source: Electoral Code, articles 5 and 80.
Verified: 2002/08/23
ES021
Question: Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Constitution, articles 70 and 71.
Verified: 2002/08/23
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
LF002
Question: What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer:
a . January 2000 or later
Comments:
Source: www.ksg.harvard.edu/kokkalis/region_croatia.html,
jurist.law.pitt.edu/world/croatia.htm
Law amending the Electoral Code, 2001.
Verified: 2002/08/28
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
LF005
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
Answer:
a . National elections are not held on the same day as regional or local elections
Comments: There is no legal provision concerning the connection of the two elections.
Source: Electoral Code
Verified: 2002/08/07
LF006
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
Answer(s):
a . Presidential elections are not held on the same day as national legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Constitution, articles 72 and 94.
Verified: 2002/08/23
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
LF008
Question: If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: The agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are not specially appointed/elected.
Source: Electoral Code, articles 96 to 102.
Verified: 2002/08/23
LF009
Question: Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Candidates b . Parties c . Voters
Comments: c) 100 voters or 5% of the voters in the constituency.
Source: Electoral Code, articles 96 to 102.
Verified: 2002/08/23
LF010
Question: What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . Constitutional (or similar) Court
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, articles 98 to 100.
Verified: 2002/08/23
LF011
Question: Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
Answer(s):
a . Election Management Body
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, article 56(1).
Verified: 2002/08/23
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
EM003
Question: The national electoral management body reports to:
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: f) State election board shall announce in the media the entire report on the amount of election expenses and on the ways of implementation within 30 days from announcing official voting figures.
Source: Electoral Code, article 95 (paragraph 3).
Verified: 2002/08/23
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
EM007
Question: The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: The president of the Supreme Court is the ex officio, by position, without any precedure, appointment or election, by the fact, that he is the president of the Supreme Court, he or she pernorns the duties of the chairperson of the State Election Commission.
Source: Electoral Code, article 53 paragraph (3)
Verified: 2002/08/28
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
VR003
Question: What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s):
d . Mental disability
Comments: Electoral Code, article 4.
Source:
Verified: 2002/08/23
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
VR005
Question: What is the registration method for national elections?
Answer:
b . Voters register
Comments:
Source: Law on Election Registers
Verified: 2002/08/23
VR006
Question: How frequently is the voters register updated?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments:
Source: Law on Election Registers
Verified: 2002/08/23
VR007
Question: What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
Answer(s):
a . Links to national population records b . Links to police records of residence e . Appearance by voter at registration office
Comments:
Source: Law on Election Registers
Verified: 2002/08/23
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
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments: The national legislature consists of only one chamber.
Source: Constitution, articles 70 and 71.
Verified: 2002/08/23
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
PC004
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
k . No information available
Comments: The national legislature consists of only one chamber.
Source: Constitution, articles 70 and 71.
Verified: 2002/08/23
PC005
Question: What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship
Comments:
Source: OSCE - Presidential 4-5. p.
Verified: 2002/05/20
PC006
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
Answer(s):
f . Holding of military office g . Holding of government office n . Holding of other public offices (police etc.) o . Other
Comments: o) Board members of companies where the state is the majority owner.
Source: Electoral Code, article 9 (paragraph 2).
Verified: 2002/08/23
PC007
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
p . Other
Comments: p: No disqualification cause is to be found.
Source: OSCE - Presidential 4-5. p.
Verified: 2002/08/07
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
PC009
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify)
Comments: 500 signatures.
Source: Electoral Code, article 21 (paragraph 2).
Verified: 2002/08/23
PC010
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Constitution, articles 70 and 71.
Verified: 2002/08/23
PC011
Question: If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify)
Comments: 10.000 signatures.
Source: OSCE - Presidential 5. p.
Verified: 2002/07/22
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
PC013
Question: If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
Answer(s):
a . As related to the election period only
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, articles: 29, 30 and 31 to 37.
Law on Political Parties.
Regulations on the Conduct of Croatian Radio-Television.
Verified: 2002/08/23
PC014
Question: If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
Answer(s):
a . Free media access
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, articles 29 and 30.
Regulations on the Conduct of Croatian Radio-Television.
Verified: 2002/08/23
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
PC016
Question: If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
Answer(s):
b . Election campaign activities
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, articles: 29, 30 and 31 to 37.
Law on Political Parties.
Regulations on the Conduct of Croatian Radio-Television.
Verified: 2002/08/23
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
PC018
Question: If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
Answer(s):
c . As related to the election period and between elections
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2002/05/20
PC019
Question: Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
i . Other
Comments: The Law requires a pre-election disclosure of the intended expenditures and their sources but does not compel political parties to disclose their financial record after the election.
Source: Electoral Code, article 33.
Verified: 2002/08/23
PC020
Question: Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
i . Other
Comments: i) Each political party which puts up lists for election of representatives is obliged to proclaim approximate data on the amount and origin of their own financial means which are to be spent for election campaign (before the beginning of election campaign). Candidates for representatives of national minorities and bearers of independent lists are also obliged.
Source: Electoral Code, article 33.
Verified: 2002/08/28
PC021
Question: Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
Answer(s):
c . Government department d . Other
Comments: e) There is only an ex ante reporting requirement.
Source: Electoral Code, Article 31-37.
Verified: 2002/08/28
Vote Counting
VC001
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Single ballot (all registered parties listed) c . Write-in ballot d . Categorical (only one mark allowed) g . Different ballots used in different constituencies n . Random listing (lottery)
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, articles 75 to 78.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC002
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
s . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Constitution, articles 70 and 71.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC003
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Single ballot (all registered parties/candidates listed) c . Write-in ballot d . Categorical (only possible to make one mark) f . Same ballot papers used nation-wide
Comments:
Source: OSCE - Presidential
Verified: 2009/11/04
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
VC006
Question: Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
Answer(s):
b . Sub-district level
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, article 87.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC007
Question: At what levels are seats allocated?
Answer(s):
c . Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, article 89 (paragraph 1, point 3).
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC008
Question: How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
Answer(s):
a . Physically transported
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, articles: 87, 88 (paragraph 2), and 89 (paragraph 3).
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC009
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
Answer(s):
f . Certificate of result
Comments: f) Minutes about management and the results.
Source: Electoral Code, articles: 87, 88 (paragraph 2), and 89 (paragraph 3).
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC010
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
Answer(s):
a . No security measures
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, articles: 87, 88 (paragraph 2), and 89 (paragraph 3).
Verified: 2009/11/04
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
VC012
Question: If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments: Results are never recounted.
Source: Electoral Code
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC013
Question: If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: Results are never recounted.
Source: Electoral Code
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC014
Question: If recounted, who conducts the recount?
Answer(s):
j . Not applicable
Comments: Results are never recounted.
Source: Electoral Code
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC015
Question: Are preliminary results announced?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, article 94 (paragraph 1).
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC017
Question: Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, articles 91 and 92.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC018
Question: How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
Answer:
b . days:
Comments: Within 24 hours the State Election Board must receive the results from the boundary commissions, and in 48 hours from the commissions working in consular or diplomatic missions. Thereafter, the State Election Board has to publicize the results without delay. Last time it took 16 days, because of the repeated elections.
Source: Electoral Code, articles: 87, 88 (paragraph 2), 89 (paragraph 2), 91 and 92.
Verified: 2009/11/04
Media and Elections
ME002
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: www.ejc.nl/jr/emland/croatia.html, (European Journalist Centre, European Media Landscape) Decision on the promulgation of the law on telecommunications (hereinafter: Law on telecommunications)
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME003
Question: Which of the following types of television stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: www.ejc.nl/jr/emland/croatia.html, (European Journalist Centre, European Media Landscape) Decision on the promulgation of the law on telecommunications (hereinafter: Law on telecommunications)
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME004
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: www.ejc.nl/jr/emland/croatia.html, (European Journalist Centre, European Media Landscape) Decision on the promulgation of the law on telecommunications (hereinafter: Law on telecommunications)
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME005
Question: Which of the following do you believe best describes the print media situation at the national level in your country?
Answer:
d . No government newspaper: competition between two or more major private newspapers
Comments:
Source: www.ejc.nl/jr/emland/croatia.html
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME006
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private radio stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60%
Comments: No answer and relevant information on this question could been found. Since Croatia is not less developed, than the other Central- European countries, I marked over 60%, which is, I think, quite believable considering the overall media situation in these countries.
Source:
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME008
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private television stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60%
Comments: No answer and relevant information on this question could been found. Since Croatia is not less developed, than the other Central- European countries, I marked over 60%, which is, I think, quite believable considering the overall media situation in these countries.
Source:
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME009
Question: In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?
Answer(s):
b . Private radio e . Print media
Comments: : Both private and national television tend to fall under the influences of all kinds people and institutions. National television and radio are usually influenced by the government, although this influence is dropping. Commercial televisions are under the influence of their owners who usually have close relationships with politicians.
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME014
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the public television stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60%
Comments: No answer and relevant information on this question could been found. Since Croatia is not less developed, than the other Central- European countries, I marked over 60%, which is, I think, quite believable considering the overall media situation in these countries.
Source:
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME015
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the national level programming of the public radio stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60 %
Comments: No answer and relevant information on this question could been found. Since Croatia is not less developed, than the other Central- European countries, I marked over 60%, which is, I think, quite believable considering the overall media situation in these countries.
Source:
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME016
Question: In your opinion, upon which types of media at national level in your country do citizens most rely as a source of information? Mark the most important source with 1, and the second most important source with 2:
Answer(s):
a . Public radio c . Private radio d . Public television f . Private television g . Print media
Comments: a:4, c:5, d:1, f:2, g:3
Source: Mr Damir Azenic,GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME017
Question: In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?
Answer(s):
b . Private radio e . Print media
Comments: Both private and national television tend to fall under the influences of all kinds people and institutions. National television and radio are usually influenced by the government, although this influence is dropping. Commercial televisions are under the influence of their owners who usually have close relationships with politicians.
Comment of Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Source:
Verified: 2007/02/15
ME020
Question: Who grants licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Answer:
b . Independent regulator
Comments: Public Tel Network Operator
Source: Law on telecommunications
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME021
Question: Who is allowed to hold broadcasting licenses?
Answer(s):
b . Private companies c . Non governmental organisations d . Foreigners g . Other
Comments:
Source: Law on telecommunications
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME023
Question: Are any journalists currently imprisoned or facing criminal charges for exercising their profession?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: www.ejc.nl/jr/emland/croatia.html
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME024
Question: What legal instruments are used to regulate media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
a . Law b . Secondary legislation (e.g. regulations)
Comments: The State election commission issues Obligatory instructions prior to elections in order to regulate media coverage. The law also insures equal media presence for all the parties or candidates
Source: Mr Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME025
Question: Which of the following bodies or agencies has a responsibility in the regulation of media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
a . Statutory regulator (e.g. broadcasting licensing body) b . Voluntary regulator (e.g. media council, journalists' ethics committee) g . EMB by law or regulations
Comments:
Source: Act on election of representatives to the Croatian Parliament
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME026
Question: What form does the responsibility, if any, of the EMB to regulate media coverage of elections take?
Answer(s):
b . Requiring balance in media news coverage of an election c . Placing limits on when the media may report about an election
Comments:
Source: Act on election, Law on telecommunications
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME027
Question: Does the EMB monitor media coverage of elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Act on election
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME028
Question: What form does the authority, if any, of the EMB to enforce remedies or sanctions against the media in case of breach of the rules on media coverage of elections take?
Answer(s):
a . Enforcement of a right of reply, correction or retraction
Comments:
Source: The act on the right of access to information, Law on telecommunications
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME029
Question: Do political parties or candidates have a right to have their replies to inaccurate or misleading media coverage published promptly and free of charge?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: The act on the right of access of information
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME030
Question: What is the legal liability of the media if they report unlawful statements by candidates during election campaigns (e.g. defamatory or inflammatory speeches)?
Answer(s):
b . Administrative sanction
Comments: Misdemeanor shall be penalized by a fine
Source: Law on telecommunications
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME031
Question: Have the media or journalists' organisations adopted a code of ethics specific to elections? Please send us a copy.
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There is no specific code of ethics being adopted by media, but there are several papers as well as laws which intend to regulate the matter. Non of them propose sanctions to media who brake these regulations.
Source: Mr. Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME033
Question: Which body, if any, is responsible for regulating free or paid access of political parties or candidates to the media during election campaigns.
Answer:
a . EMB
Comments:
Source: Act on election of representatives to the Croatian Parliament
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME034
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments: The entire program offer may not serve a particular party interest or opinion on an one/sided basis. During the pre-election campaining a Radio and Tel. Concessionaire must enable to all parties the possibility of commercial political advertising under equal conditions
Source: Act on election, The act on the right of access to information
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME035
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments: The entire program offer may not serve a particular party interest or opinion on an one/sided basis. During the pre-election campaining a Radio and Tel. Concessionaire must enable to all parties the possibility of commercial political advertising under equal conditions
Source: Act on election, The act on the right of access to information
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME036
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide political parties with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments: The entire program offer may not serve a particular party interest or opinion on an one/sided basis. During the pre-election campaining a Radio and Tel. Concessionaire must enable to all parties the possibility of commercial political advertising under equal conditions
Source: Act on election, The act on the right of access to information
Verified: 2005/11/14
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
ME042
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size and previous performance
Comments:
Source: The Act on representatives of the Croatian Parliament
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME043
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Law on telecommunications
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME044
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Law on telecommunications
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME045
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide individual candidates (legislative) with printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Law on telecommunications
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME046
Question: What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
Answer(s):
g . Not regulated: based only on the amount the candidate wishes to spend
Comments:
Source: Act on election
Verified: 2005/11/14
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
ME061
Question: Which of the following information in reporting the results of opinion polls are required to be disclosed by law?
Answer(s):
g . None
Comments:
Source: Act on election of representatives to the Croatian Parliament. Art. 27.
Verified: 2005/11/14
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
ME064
Question: If exit polls are permitted, when can the results be disseminated via the media?
Answer(s):
b . After all polls close
Comments:
Source: Act on election of representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Art. 26.
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME065
Question: When are the media, by law, allowed to report preliminary election results?
Answer:
b . After all polls close, before official results are available
Comments:
Source: Act on election of representatives to the Croatian Parliament. Art. 26.
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME066
Question: Are the media allowed to project/predict winners before the final results are available?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME067
Question: What resources does the EMB have for its work with the media?
Answer(s):
d . No one with full-time responsibility for media work
Comments:
Source: Mr Damir Azenic
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME068
Question: Have staff responsible for media relations received training for this work?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Mr Damir Azenic
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME069
Question: Which of the following has the EMB produced or organised?
Answer(s):
b . Press releases c . Press conferences/briefings e . Web site
Comments: The first non official results are being announced by the State election commission at a press conference which is being held at midnight (after the election day).
Source: Mr Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME070
Question: Has the EMB provided or facilitated training for journalists in how the electoral process works?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Mr Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME077
Question: What steps does the EMB take to make sure that it is communicating its message to the media?
Answer(s):
e . None of the above
Comments:
Source: Mr Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME078
Question: Which of the following do you judge to be significant barriers to the EMB in communicating its message to the media?
Answer(s):
a . Insufficient staff with responsibility for media relations b . Insufficient training of staff with responsibility for media relations
Comments:
Source: Mr Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
ME079
Question: Overall, how effective do you judge the EMB's ability to communicate through the media during election campaigns to be?
Answer:
c . Not very effective
Comments:
Source: Mr Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
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
DD008
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional b . Specific laws/legislation
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD009
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional b . Specific laws/legislation
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD010
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
b . Specific laws/legislation
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD102
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
Answer:
a . All signatures checked
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD103
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD104
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD105
Question: Who is responsible for checking the signatures?
Answer(s):
b . Another government department (specify) c . Local authorities
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD106
Question: Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a referendum?
Answer(s):
f . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD107
Question: Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in an initiative?
Answer(s):
f . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD108
Question: Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a recall?
Answer(s):
f . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD109
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a referendum?
Answer(s):
a . Information booklets b . Leaflets and pamphlets c . Radio broadcasts d . TV broadcasts e . Press advertisements f . Website
Comments: These action are being taken only by NGOs.
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD110
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?
Answer(s):
a . Information booklets b . Leaflets and pamphlets c . Radio broadcasts d . TV broadcasts e . Press advertisements f . Website
Comments: These action are being taken only by NGOs.
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD111
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?
Answer(s):
a . Information booklets b . Leaflets and pamphlets d . TV broadcasts e . Press advertisements f . Website
Comments: These action are being taken only by NGOs.
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD112
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a referendum?
Answer(s):
g . None
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD113
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in an initiative?
Answer(s):
g . None
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD114
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a recall?
Answer(s):
g . None
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD115
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for a referendum?
Answer:
b . Other (specify)
Comments: none
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD116
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
Answer:
b . Other (specify)
Comments: none
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD117
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
Answer:
b . Other (specify)
Comments: none
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD118
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a referendum? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . No campaign organisations
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD119
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . No campaign organisations
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD012
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional b . Specific laws/legislation
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD120
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . No campaign organisations
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD121
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a referendum? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . None
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD122
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . None
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD123
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . None
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD125
Question: Is the government permitted to campaign either in favour of or against any specific outcome to a referendum, initiatives or recall vote?
Answer(s):
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD015
Question: Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Government (specify department) d . Legislature
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD016
Question: Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD017
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD018
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
b . Yes, in some regions/states/provinces
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD019
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD021
Question: Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD022
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD023
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD024
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD026
Question: Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD027
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . National sovereignity, national self-determination
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD028
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments b . Adoption of international treaties h . Taxes and public expenditure commitments
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD029
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
Answer(s):
c . Transfer of authority to international bodies e . Conflict between constitutional organs g . Civil service h . Taxes and public expenditure commitments
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD030
Question: Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
Answer(s):
b . Creation/merger/abolition of sub-national authorities c . Other public policy issues
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD031
Question: Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Government c . President
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD032
Question: Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
b . Independent electoral commission
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD033
Question: Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
Answer(s):
b . Independent electoral commission
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD034
Question: Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
a . The title of the proposal c . An explanatory text
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD035
Question: Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?
Answer(s):
a . The title of the proposal c . An explanatory text
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD036
Question: Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
Answer(s):
b . Independent electoral commission
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD037
Question: Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
Answer(s):
b . Independent electoral commission
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD040
Question: What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
b . Qualified majority (specify % below)
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD041
Question: What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
b . Qualified majority (specify % below)
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD042
Question: In which areas, if any, do regulatory provisions differ between a referendum and a national election? Tick all that apply and specify below in the comments section.
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD043
Question: When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer:
a . Always
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD044
Question: When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
Answer:
c . Never
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD045
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
c . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD046
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
c . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD047
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments b . Adoption of international treaties c . Transfer of authority e . Conflict between constitutional organs h . Taxes and public expenditure commitments
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD048
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments b . Adoption of international treaties c . Transfer of authority e . Conflict between constitutional organs h . Taxes and public expenditure commitments
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD049
Question: Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
c . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD050
Question: Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
c . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD051
Question: What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
Answer(s):
d . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD052
Question: Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD053
Question: Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
Answer:
e . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD054
Question: Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
Answer(s):
g . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD055
Question: Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
Answer(s):
d . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD056
Question: Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
Answer(s):
c . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD057
Question: If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, who is responsible for undertaking it?
Answer(s):
f . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD058
Question: If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
Answer(s):
e . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD059
Question: Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
a . Government c . President d . Legislature
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD060
Question: At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
Answer(s):
d . Not at all
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD061
Question: What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
Answer:
d . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD062
Question: When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
Answer(s):
e . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD063
Question: Who decides the final ballot text?
Answer(s):
e . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD064
Question: Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
Answer:
c . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD065
Question: Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
Answer(s):
b . President c . Other national level elected executive positions d . National level appointed executive positions e . Members of provincial / local legislature bodies f . Governors, Mayors or equivalent g . Other provincial/local level elected executive positions h . Provincial/local level appointed executive positions i . Elected judges
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD066
Question: What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
Answer(s):
a . Political or policy grounds b . Indictment c . Conviction d . Moral turpitude
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD068
Question: If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
Answer:
c . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD069
Question: When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
DD071
Question: Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: A person can resign his/her duty
Source: Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
Verified: 2005/11/14
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
VO006
Question: Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
Answer:
a . No
Comments: a) One semi exception: in diplomatic and consular representative bodies the voting takes place in two days being the first one the day before the election day in Croatia.
Source: Electoral Code, article 80 (paragraphs 1 and 2).
Verified: 2002/08/23
VO007
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: Electors cannot vote in advance of the designated national election day(s).
Source: Electoral Code, article 80 (paragraphs 1 and 2).
Verified: 2002/08/28
VO008
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: Electors cannot vote in advance of the designated national election day(s).
Source: Electoral Code, article 80 (paragraphs 1 and 2).
Verified: 2002/08/28
VO009
Question: Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: The Election Board of electoral precinct fixes the polling places based on suggestions made by municipal and town election boards.
Source: Electoral Code, article 61(2).
Verified: 2002/08/23
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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