Croatia
- System of government
- Last Updated : 2016-09-21
Unitary parliamentary constitutional republic
System of government-References:
- Total population
- Last Updated : 2016-09-28
4.284,889 (Croatian Bureau of statistics 2011)
Total population-References:
- Total area (in square kilo meters)
- Last Updated : 2016-10-04 56,594 km2 (land), 31 067 km2 (sea)
Total area (in square kilo meters)-References:
- Number of registered political parties
- Last Updated : 2016-09-28
159
Number of registered political parties-References:
- Number of polling stations
- Last Updated : 2016-09-28 Elections of representatives to the Croatian Parliament 2016: 6947
Number of polling stations-References:
- Average number of voters per polling station
- Last Updated : 2016-09-28
It is not possible to determine the average number of voters per polling station because there are too many polling stations.
Average number of voters per polling station-References:
- Voting age
- Last Updated : 2016-09-21 18
Voting age-References:
- Elected Offices
- Last Updated : 2016-09-28 President of the Republic of Croatia, representatives to the Croatian Parliament, members of the European Parliament from the Republic of Croatia, members of the representative bodies of units of local and regional self-government, and elections for municipality heads, mayors, and county prefects and their deputies and members of Councils and representatives of national minorities.
Elected Offices-References:
- Election system
- Last Updated : 2016-10-21
President of the Republic of Croatia is elected by the majority electoral system (over 50 percent of all voters who voted). If none of candidate obtain such majority, a further selection is carried out in the second round among the candidates who have achieved the highest number of votes in the first round of elections.
?Representatives to the Croatian Parliament: Mixed electoral system where the representatives ofthe I.-XI. constituency are elected by proportional representation (D'Hondt method) and preferential voting and the representatives of minorities in XII.constituency are elected by majority votes.?
Members of theEuropean Parliament from the Republic of Croatiaare elected by proportional representation and preferential voting in a single nationwide constituency.
Election system-References:
- Terms of office
- Last Updated : 2016-10-04
President of the Republic of Croatia: five years
Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Members of Local authorities and Members of Councils and representatives of national minorities: four years
Members of the European Parliament from the Republic of Croatia: five years
Terms of office-References:
- Election
- Last Updated : 2016-09-28
Elections of representatives to the Croatian Parliament 2016
Election-References:
- Date
- Last Updated : 2016-09-28
September 11, 2016
Date-References:
- Number of elected candidates
- Last Updated : 2016-09-29 151 (male members 132, female members 19)
Number of elected candidates-References:
- Voter turnout
- Last Updated : 2016-09-28
52,59 %
Voter turnout-References:
- Number of ballots cast
- Last Updated : 2016-10-27
1.978.298
Number of ballots cast-References:
- Legal framework for elections
- Last Updated : 2017-01-10
Constitutionof the Republic of Croatia (Official Gazette, No. 85/10, 05/14)
Acton the State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia (Official Gazette, No. 44/06, 19/07)
Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament (Official Gazette, No. 19/15 i 104/15)
Acton the Election of the President of the Republic of Croatia (Official Gazette, No. 22/92, 42/92 correction, 69/04 - the decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Croatia from May 11, 2004, No. U-I-2495/20, 99/04 ? correction of the decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Croatia from May 11, 2004, No. U-I2495/20, 44/06 see Article 27 of the State Electoral Commission Act , 24/11 see Article 52 of the Political Activity and Election Campaign Financing Act )Act on amendments to the Act on the Election of the President of the Republic of Croatia (Official Gazette, No. 128/14)
Acton the Elections of Members of the European Parliament from the Republic ofCroatia (Official Gazette, No.92/10, 23/13, 143/13)
Local Elections Act (Official Gazette, No. 144/12 and 121/16)
Acton the rights of nationals of other European Union Member States in theelection to representative bodies of the local and regional self-governmentunits (Official Gazette, No. 92/10)
Political activity and election campaign financing act (Official Gazette, No. 48/13)Important remark! The decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Croatia No. U-I-2986/2013, of 20 December 2013 (Official Gazette, No. 2/14) repealed the Article No. 42 of the Political Activity and Election Campaign Financing Act.
Act on the register of voters (Official Gazette, No. 144/12, 105/15)
Act on constituencies for the election of the Representatives to theCroatian Parliament (Official Gazette, No. 116/99)
Act on the referenda and other forms of personal participation in the activities of state power and local self-government
Legal framework for elections-References:
- Legal provisions
- Last Updated : 2016-09-30
Constitution of the Republic of Croatia (Official Gazette, No. 85/10, 05/14) Article 87 and Act on the referenda and other forms of personal participation in the activities of state power and local self-government (Official Gazette, No. 33/96, 92/01,44/06,58/06,69/07,38/09) and Local self-Government and Local Government Act.
Legal provisions-References:
- Referenda
- Last Updated : 2016-09-30
1. State referenda
The Croatian Parliament may
call a referenda on a proposal to change the Constitution, on a bill or on the
second comes from its scope.
The Croatian Parliament shall
call a referenda if it is demanded by ten percent of the total number of voters
in the Republic of Croatia.
The referenda is decided by
majority of voters who access to referenda. The decision taken by referenda is
obligatory.
The referenda shall be called for the purpose of
association The Republic of Croatia in alliance with other countries.
2. Local referenda
Direct participation of voters in deciding issues falling to autonomous jurisdiction of counties, cities and municipalities
3. Advisory referenda
Direct participation of voters in deciding issues falling to autonomous jurisdiction of counties, cities and municipalities.
Referenda-References:
- People’s Initiatives
- Last Updated : 2016-09-30
The people's initiatives are a Council of citizens and petitions.
People’s Initiatives-References:
- Recall Votes
- Last Updated : 2016-05-03
- Official name
- Last Updated : 2016-09-28 State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia (Drzavno izborno povjerenstvo Republike Hrvatske)
Official name -References:
- Mission, Vision, Key Objectives, Functions
- Last Updated : 2016-09-30
The State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia shall carry out activities prescribed by the laws regulating the election of representatives to the Croatian Parliament, the President of the Republic of Croatia, members of the representative bodies of units of local and territorial (regional) self-government, heads of municipalities, mayors, county prefects and the Mayor of the City of Zagreb, members of councils and representatives of national minorities in units of local and territorial (regional) self-government, and the holding of state, local and advisory referenda and campaign spending and annual financial performance of political parties, independent MPs and members of representative body of local and territorial (regional) government elected from the list of a group of voters.
The Commission shall also carry out the following activities:
- presenting
opinions on additions and improvements to electoral legislation and legislation
regulating referenda,
- appointing
members of county electoral commissions and the city electoral commission of
the City of Zagreb
- training
members of electoral commissions and commissions for holding referenda in units
of local and territorial (regional) self-government,
- informing
citizens on the holding of elections and the opportunities for exercising and
protecting electoral rights in the election process,
-determining
the method of keeping records and publishing material concerning the holding of
elections and referenda,
- publishing
periodical expert publications pertaining to the electoral system, holding of
elections and practice,
- oversees campaign spending and annual financial performance
of political parties, independent MPs and
members of representative body of local and territorial (regional) government
elected from the list of a group of voters
-submitting
reports to the competent authorities on the holding of elections and referenda,
-determining
the organisation of the Expert Service of the Commission, electing the
Commission's Secretary and his or her deputy,
- carrying out
co-operation within the country and with international organisations and
institutions in the area of electoral legislation and elections in general,
- submitting
to the Croatian Parliament reports on elections or referenda held, within 60
days of the publication of the official results of the elections,
- carrying out other duties prescribed by special regulations.
Mission, Vision, Key Objectives, Functions-References:
- Type of EMB(independent, governmental, mixed)
- Last Updated : 2016-09-28
Permanent and independent.
Type of EMB(independent, governmental, mixed)-References:
- EMB expenditure audit
- Last Updated : 2016-10-21 Other - The National Election Commission determines the way of usage of the financial means, conducts supervision on their expenditure and grants appropriate means to Election Commissions in the constituencies.
EMB expenditure audit-References:
- Number of EMB members (commissioners)
- Last Updated : 2016-09-30
9 (Act on the State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia, Article 3)
-Chairperson
-4 Vice-Chairpersons
-4 members
Number of EMB members (commissioners)-References:
- Term of EMB members (commissioners)
- Last Updated : 2016-09-30
The Chairperson ?of the Commissionis the President of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Croatia, by virtue of his position.
The Vice-Chairpersons who are not from the ranks of judges and other members of the Commission are elected by a majority vote of all representatives of the Croatian Parliament for a term of eight years.?
Term of EMB members (commissioners)-References:
- Who appoints members (commissioners)?
- Last Updated : 2016-09-30
Two members are proposed for election by the majority political party or coalition and two members are proposed for election by the opposition political parties or coalitions, in accordance withe the party structure of the Croatian Parliament at the time of the election. They are elected by a mjority vote of all representatives of the Croatian Parliament.
Who appoints members (commissioners)?-References:
- Selection of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson
- Last Updated : 2016-09-30
?? The Chairperson of the Commission is the President of the supreme Court of the Republic o Croatia, by virtue of his position.
Two Vice-Chairpersons are elected by the general session of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Croatia from among the ranks of the judges of that court, on the proposal of the President of the Supreme Court.
The Vice-Chairpersons who are not from the ranks of
judges are elected by a majority vote of
all representatives of the Croatian Parliament for a term of eight years. One
Vice-Chairperson who is not from the rank of judges are proposed for election
by the majority political party or coalition, and the other Vice-Chairperson
who is not from rank of judges is proposed for election by the opposition
political parties or coalitions, in accordance with the party structure of the
Croatian Parliament at the time of the election.
??
Selection of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson-References:
- Administrative divisions
- Last Updated : 2016-10-19
Parliamentary elections: 12 constituencies
Local elections: 555 cities and municipalities, 20 counties and the City of Zagreb
Election of the President of the Republic of Croatia and election of members to the European Parliament from the Republic of Croatia: 1 constituency
Administrative divisions -References:
- Delimitation of constituencies(electoral district)
- Last Updated : 2016-11-21 constituencies are delimited for election purposes
Delimitation of constituencies(electoral district) -References:
- Criteria for drawing boundaries
- Last Updated : 2016-10-21
The criteria for drawing boundaries are determinedby law.
Criteria for drawing boundaries-References:
- Body responsible for drawing boundaries
- Last Updated : 2016-10-19
Croatian Parliament
Body responsible for drawing boundaries-References:
- Requirements on the right to vote
- Last Updated : 2016-09-29
All citizens of the Republic of Croatia over 18 have the universal and equal suffrage in the elections for the Croatian Parliament, President of the Republic of Croatia and the European Parliament and during the maintenance of state referenda. (Constitution of the Republic of Croatia, Article 45)
All citizens of the Republic of the Croatia over 18 with the resident on the territory for which the authorities conduct elections have a suffrage in the local elections. (Local Elections Act, Article 2)
Requirements on the right to vote-References:
- Reasons for having the right to vote revoked
- Last Updated : 2016-05-03
- Electoral Eligibility
- Last Updated : 2016-09-29
All Croatian
citizens who are 18 years of age or over may stand for election.
A
voter who, on the day the decision to call the election comes into force, has a
registered domicile in the area of the unit for whose representative body the
elections are being held, has the right to be elected member of a
representative body of a unit.A
voter who, on the day the decision to call the election comes into force, has
had a registered domicile in the area of the unit for whose representative body
the elections are being held for at least six months has the right to be
elected municipality head, mayor or county prefect and their deputies. Citizens of other European Union member states have
the right to be elected members of representative bodies of units, pursuant to
a separate Act. (Local Elections Act, Article 3)
Electoral Eligibility-References:
- Reasons for having the eligibility revoked
- Last Updated : 2016-09-29
Voters and political parties may not nominate persons sentenced to an unconditional punishment of incarceration over six months in duration by a court decision in full force and effect if at the moment of the entry into force of the decision to call an election the punishment is being enforced or to be enforced.
Voters and political parties may not nominate persons whose rehabilitation terms under a special law have not expired at the moment of the entry into force of the decision to call an election, and who were sentenced by a court decision in full force and effect for any of the following:
1. criminal offences stipulated in Title
IX of the Criminal Code against humanity and human dignity: - genocide, a crime of aggression, a crime
against humanity, a war crime, terrorism, terrorist association, torture,
slavery,
2. criminal offences stipulated in Title X
of the Criminal Code against life and body: aggravated murder.
(Act on the Elections of
Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 9)
The mandate of a representative shall terminate before the end of
his/her term if the representative:
1. tenders a resignation,
2. is deprived of the legal capacity by a
court judgement with final force and effect,
3. is sentenced by a court judgement with final force and effect to a
prison sentence exceeding six (6) months.
4. dies.
(Act on the Elections of
Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 10)
??
Reasons for having the eligibility revoked-References:
- Requirements for party registration
- Last Updated : 2016-12-23
A political party may be established by at least 100 adults with working ability who are citizens of the Republic of Croatia. Under the same conditions prescribed by the statute, the member of a political party can be every adult with working ability who is citizen of the Republic of Croatia.
Political parties must be registered in the register of political parties kept by the Ministry in charge of administration. On the date of registration, the political party acquires legal ability. Political party ceases to exist by deleting from the register of political parties.
Parliamentary elections:
The Republic of Croatia is divided in XII. constituencies.
In I. to XI. constituency all political parties registered in the Republic of Croatia on the day of the publication of the decision to call elections shall have the right to nominate party slates for the elections of representatives to the Parliament.
Slates for the election of representatives to the Parliament may be independently nominated by a single political party, or by two or more political parties (coalition slate). ?
Political parties shall determine their party slates and the sequence of candidates on them independently, in the manner foreseen by their statutes, or pursuant to separate statutory decisions. Political parties shall nominate the person authorised to submit the party slate and nomination pursuant to the provisions of their respective statutes. The party slate shall include the same number of candidates as the number of representatives to be elected to the Parliament. If the person making the nomination proposes fewer candidates than the number of representatives to be elected to the Parliament, the party slate shall not be valid.
Voters may propose candidate slates on the basis of validly collected signatures.
The signatures of at least 500 voters are required for a valid nomination of an electoral constituency slate for the elections of representatives to the Parliament.
Requirements for party registration-References:
- Candidate nomination
- Last Updated : 2016-12-23
Parliamentary elections: Political parties registered in the Republic of Croatia, voters and national minority associations shall have the right to nominate candidates for national minority representatives and their substitutes.
At least one hundred voter signatures shall be required for a valid nomination of candidates. That is special procedure for the XII. constituency.
Candidate nomination-References:
- Candidate Registration (National Assembly members)
- Last Updated : 2016-12-23
In our electoral law we don't have candidate registration.
Candidate Registration (National Assembly members) -References:
- Candidate registration deposit
- Last Updated : 2016-12-23
In our electoral laws we don't have candidate registration deposit.
Candidate registration deposit-References:
- Uncontested Election
- Last Updated : 2016-05-03
- Preparation of the voters list
- Last Updated : 2016-09-30
The competent body in the republic of Croatia for voter's register is the Ministry of Administration.
Preparation of the voters list-References:
- Whether the registration is compulsory (or not)
- Last Updated : 2016-09-30 You have to be registered in order to vote.
Whether the registration is compulsory (or not)-References:
- Who is responsible for the voters list
- Last Updated : 2016-12-23
The Ministry of Administration.
Who is responsible for the voters list -References:
- Voters list preparation procedure
- Last Updated : 2016-12-23 A voters list is compiled whenever an election is held.
Voters list preparation procedure -References:
- Inspection and objection procedure
- Last Updated : 2016-05-03
- Definition
- Last Updated : 2016-09-30
The election campaign
is a set of actions taken by the participants of the elections for the purpose
of public presentation and explain their election
programmes to voters.
Definition-References:
- Period
- Last Updated : 2016-10-26
The election campaign for the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament shall commence on the day of the publication of the collective list of slates of the electoral constituencies, and shall end 24 hours before election day.
The election campaign for the Elections of the President of the Republic of Croatia shall commence on the day of the publication of the list of candidates for the President of the Republic, and shall end 24 hours before election day. ?
All election campaign promotions, the publication of election result forecasts and the publication of early, unofficial election returns, the publication of photographs in the public broadcast media, statements from and interviews with slate leaders and candidates and the citation of their statements or written work is prohibited on election day until the closing of polling stations and during the 24 hours prior to election day. (Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 28)
Period -References:
- Methods
- Last Updated : 2016-10-26
Methods are not prescribed by law. During the election campaign period the candidates are allowed to conduct the campaign using posters and various forms of literature, the mass media, the information and communications network and interviews and debates with candidates. The candidates can conduct the election campaign in the public places (markets, squares).
Methods-References:
- Prohibited forms of campaigning
- Last Updated : 2016-12-23
All candidates can campaign.
Prohibited forms of campaigning-References:
- Campaign Finance
- Last Updated : 2016-11-02
- Campaign expense limit
The campaign expense limits:
· Elections for the President of the Republic of Croatia -8 mil. kuna’s per candidate
· Elections of representatives to the Croatian Parliament -1,5 mil kuna’s in each constituency
· Elections of Members of the European Parliament from the Republic of Croatia-1,5mil kuna’s
· Local Elections -1 mil. kuna’s per candidate for the elections of Mayor of the city of Zagreb
-
-
-
-
(Political activity and election campaign financing act, Article 17)
- Income and expenditure of campaign expense
- Report, public inspection, and open of income and expenditure
- Investigation on income and expenditure of campaign expense & actions
- Reimbursement of campaign expense
The election participants entitled to reimbursement of campaign expense from the state budget of the Republic of Croatia are :
- candidates in elections for the President of the Republic of Croatia with at least 10 % of valid votes
- political parties and independent lists in the elections for members of the European Parliament with at least 5 % of valid votes
- political parties and independent lists in the elections for representatives to the Croatian Parliament with more than 5% of the valid votes of the constituency
- political parties which have proposed candidates for the representatives of national minorities who have become members of the Croatian Parliament
-
Campaign Finance-References:
- Presiding officers
- Last Updated : 2016-11-02
① How many of officers in a polling station
Parliamentary elections: 10
The voters' committee shall be comprised of a chairperson and four members, and deputy members.
Local elections: 10
Elections for President of the Republic of Croatia: 6
Elections of members of the European Parliament ?from the Republic of Croatia: 10
② Roles of each officer
The chairperson of the voters'
committee supervise all procedures during voting hours.
Roles of each member of the voters'
committee
- at least
one member verifies a voter’s identity
- at least
one member issue
ballot papers and assist and guide voters during
voting
- at least
one member supervise
ballot boxes
③ How we nominate the officers
Parliamentary elections: The municipal and city electoral commissions shall submit proposals on the appointment of voters' committees in the territory of the municipality or city.
The chairperson of the voters' committee and his/her deputy may not be members of any political party and, whenever possible, should be from the legal profession. Two members and their deputies shall be designated by the majority political party or coalition, and two members and their deputies by the opposition political parties or coalition consistent with the current representation of parties in the Parliament.
Political parties shall designate members of voters' committees and submit their names to the competent electoral commissions at the latest eight days before election day. If they fail to designate them, or fail to submit their names to the competent electoral commissions within the deadline, such electoral commissions shall independently designate the members of voters' committees. (Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 68 and 69)?
Presiding officers-References:
- Facilities or items a polling station is equipped with
- Last Updated : 2016-09-29
Facilities or items a polling station is equipped with: Polling booths, ballot boxes, seats for voters and observers and other facilities necessary for the management of voting.
Facilities or items a polling station is equipped with-References:
- Polling station location criteria
- Last Updated : 2016-11-02
-distance (the polling station must be available to voters)
-number of voters (no more than 1500 voter on one polling station)
-usually placed at public institutions (for example: schools, village halls), places that are in property of units and exceptionally can be placed at private facilities
Polling station location criteria-References:
- Voting hours
- Last Updated : 2016-10-27
7 a.m. to 7 p. m. without interruptions (in the Republic of Croatia)
At the seats of diplomatic missions and consular posts, voting shall be conducted over a period of two days, where it shall end on the same day as the closing of voting in the Republic of Croatia. (Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 80)
Polling stations shall be closed at 7.p.m., but voters found at polling stations at the moment of closing shall be allowed to vote. (Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 80)
Voting hours-References:
- Voting
- Last Updated : 2016-12-23
① Is compulsory or voluntary?
It is voluntary. Voters are free to declare their voting orientation and no one can be called to account for voting or for not voted.
② How many ballot papers are distributed to each voter?
Every voter receive one ballot paper but on local elections one voter will receive more than one ballot paper.
Voting -References:
- Ballot Paper
- Last Updated : 2016-10-27
① Determination of the order of candidates on ballots
Parliamentary elections:
The collective list of slates shall list the name of each electoral constituency slate. Party slates nominated in all electoral constituencies shall be the first ones to be entered on the collective slate of an electoral constituency, followed by party or independent slates in such electoral constituency, in alphabetical order by the full name of the political party, or two or more political parties nominating the slate, or in alphabetical order based on the last name of the first candidates on the independent slate. If several political parties propose a joint slate, it shall be included on the collective slate based on the name of the political party that is the first one in the nomination. Ballot paper for each constituency is the same like the collective list of slates of each electoral constituency.
Candidates shall be listed on the ballot in the order in which they are listed on list of candidates for the election of representatives of national minorities.
② What has to be included in the ballot paper?
The ballot shall include:
1. instruction about the manner of voting,
2. ordinal numbers and names of the slates in the order from the collective slate of candidates, and each slate should also include the ordinal numbers and names and surnames of candidates,
3. serial number.
(Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 5)
Ballot used to cast a vote in electoral constituencies electing national minority representative and their substitute shall include the following:
1. name and surname of the candidate and his/her substitute;
2. full and abbreviated name of the political party, or two or more parties that nominated the candidate. If a candidate is nominated by a voter group in accordance with the provisions of this Act, the words: "candidate of voter group" shall be stated to the left of the name and surname of such candidate,
3. serial number.
(Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 77)
③ Ballot paper design or sample ballot paper
Ballot paper design for the election of representatives to the Croatian Parliament-you can vote for list
http://www.izbori.hr/izbori/ws.nsf/69DC1C731334305AC1257FFF00442781/$FILE/OZ-30.pdf
Ballot paper design for the election of representatives to the Croatian Parliament in XII.constituency in which are elected representatives of the serbian minority
http://www.izbori.hr/izbori/ws.nsf/69DC1C731334305AC1257FFF00442781/$FILE/OZ-31.pdf??
④ Valid and invalid ballot paper
A valid ballot is the one that enables the will of the voter and the slate or candidate for whom the voter cast his/her vote to be established with certainty and beyond any doubt.
Ballot is spoiled where:
1. the ballot is left blank;
2. the ballot is filled in a manner that makes it impossible to determine the voter's decision and the slate/candidate for which/whom such voter cast his/her vote;
3.
completing the ballot by casting one's vote for two or more slates or
candidates;
4. the voter cast his/her vote on the ballot for candidates from different slates and failed to encircle one of the slates.
Ballot Paper-References:
- Voting Procedures
- Last Updated : 2016-10-27
- Start of voting
The voting starts at 7a.m. The members of voters' committee have to prepare the polling station and check ballot boxes and the election materials an hour before the start of voting.
- Process of voting
1. Identification on the voters list
2. Receiving a ballot paper and the instructions how to fill up a ballot
3. Vote at a polling section
4. Inserting the ballot into a ballot box
All the time, during the elections, there should be at least three members of electoral committee present on polling station.
The chairperson of the voters' committee is obliged and authorised to ensure peace and order at polling stations.
- End of voting
The voting is ending at 7 p. m. but if there are some voters at the moment of closing, at polling stations, they shall be allowed to vote.
Voting Procedures -References:
- Marking method
- Last Updated : 2016-09-29
Voter encircles number only with pen.
Marking method-References:
- Special voting (Absentee / Early / Proxy / Assisted / Postal / etc)
- Last Updated : 2016-12-23 ?? A voter is unable to vote, as a result of a physical disability or illiteracy, he may be accompanied at the polling station by another person who can read and who shall encircle the number as instructed by the voter. But if the voter is unable to appear at a polling station in person as a result of a serious illness, physical impairment or as a result of being infirm shall inform the voters' committee thereof at least three days before election day or the voters' committee on election day. The competent electoral commissions shall submit the requests received from voters to vote outside the polling station to the competent voters' committees along with all of the electoral material.
Special voting (Absentee / Early / Proxy / Assisted / Postal / etc)-References:
- Counting Location
- Last Updated : 2016-08-22 The polling stations
Counting Location-References:
- Counting period
- Last Updated : 2016-09-29
After closing the pollling stations.
Counting period-References:
- Vote counting method
- Last Updated : 2016-09-29 Manually.
Vote counting method-References:
- Counting Procedures
- Last Updated : 2016-09-29
- Start of counting
After closing the polling stations.
- Process of counting
Members of electors' committee will first count and determine the numbers of non-use voters list and put them in the envelope and mark the number of those voters list.
The procedure of counting stars with opening the voters’ box and counting all the voters list in the box. The number of voters list in the voters’ box have to be equal or less than the number of voters who vote in that polling station. If the number is greater, the electors' committee shall stop counting and seal the box and charge it to City or municipal electoral commissions.
- End of counting
After the counting is finish, the members of electors' committee will fill its minutes and they shall submit their minutes and other election materials to the municipal or city electoral commission at the latest within 12 hours of the closing of polling stations.
(Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 84 and 87)
Counting Procedures-References:
- When are ballots recounted?
- Last Updated : 2016-10-19
If political party, independent slate leader, candidates for reprsentaties to the Parliament, at least 100 voters or at least 5% of voters in an electoral constituency in which elections are conducted submitt an objection again irregularities in the electoral prcedure.
When are ballots recounted?-References:
- Who is eligible to vote for overseas voting?
- Last Updated : 2017-01-10
Croatian voters with residence in the Republic of Croatia who are over 18 years old and outside the borders of the Republic of Croatia have right to vote in national elections and can participate in national referenda but they don't have right to vote in local election.
Parliamentary elections: Croatian voters without residence in the Republic of Croatia shall be entitled to representation in the Parliament and they shall elect three representatives from candidate slates in a special electoral constituency.
Who is eligible to vote for overseas voting?-References:
- Overseas voters list preparation
- Last Updated : 2017-01-10
The Ministry of Administration
Overseas voters list preparation -References:
- Where to vote
- Last Updated : 2017-01-10
At diplomatic missions and consulate posts of the Republic of Croatia.
Where to vote-References:
- Voting procedure for early voting
- Last Updated : 2016-05-03
- Methods used to transport ballot papers
- Last Updated : 2016-05-03
- Counting procedure
- Last Updated : 2017-01-10 Manually at the polling station.
Counting procedure-References:
- How is the elected candidate chosen in the case of a tie?
- Last Updated : 2016-05-03
- Apportioning of National Assembly seats
- Last Updated : 2016-10-25
The right to participate in the division of representative seats in an electoral constituency shall be exercised by those slates that win at least 5% of the valid ballots cast at the elections.
The number of representatives to the Parliament
elected from each electoral constituency slate shall be determined as follows:
the total number of valid votes that each slate won is to be divided
by the numerals from 1 to 14 conclusively, also taking into account the decimal
places. Of all the results yielded, representative seats in the Parliament
shall be won by those slates with the 14 numerically greatest results, decimal
places included. Each of these slates shall win a number of representative
seats in the Parliament corresponding to the number of individual results among
the 14 numerically greatest results. The number of representatives elected from
the slate shall be the number of mandates won by such slate,
preferred votes for individual candidates are taken into account if
the number of preferred votes of a particular candidate is at least 10% of the
votes won by a particular slate,
candidates elected from each slate are those who win the greatest number of preferred votes.
(Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 40 and 41)
Apportioning of National Assembly seats-References:
- Results Announcement
- Last Updated : 2016-10-25 After the closing the polling stations, the State Electoral Commission may publish preliminary and unofficial election results at its discretion.
The official results shall be published after all
legal remedies in the protection of the right to vote are exhausted or when the
deadlines for submitting such legal remedies expire.
(Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 94)
Results Announcement-References:
- Is the announcement of preliminary result required?
- Last Updated : 2016-12-23 Parliamentary elections: The State Electoral Commission may publish preliminary and unofficial election results at its discretion.
Is the announcement of preliminary result required? -References:
- Deadline for announcement of final results
- Last Updated : 2016-12-23
The official results shall be published after all legal remedies in the protection of the right to vote are axhausted or when the deadlines for submitting such legal remedies expire.
Deadline for announcement of final results-References:
- Reason for holding a by- or re-election
- Last Updated : 2016-05-03
- By-election dates
- Last Updated : 2016-05-03
- Electoral process
- Last Updated : 2016-05-03
- Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
- Last Updated : 2016-12-23
??Parliamentary elections:The legal framework requires that the national
broadcast media, both public and private, provide coverage of all contestants
on an equal basis regardless of the size
of the party and previous performance. The
Croatian national television and radio stations are obligated to follow the
electoral campaign and to enable all those participating in the elections to
present and explain their election programmes. They have to provide at least 5
minutes to every election participant for introduction to constituency. (Rules
of conduct of the electronic media with national concessions in the Republic of
Croatia during election campaign,
Rule No.1 and 3).
During the escort of the election campaign all
broadcast media are obliged, in their activities, to guarantee journalistic
independence, professionalism and expertise, consistent compliance with the
journalistic code of ethics and in particular the fundamental principle of the freedom
of expression stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of Croatia, the
Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the
Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, guided by the interests of
the public.
??
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time-References:
- Television debates
- Last Updated : 2016-12-23
??Parliamentary elections:According to the Rules of conduct of the electronic
media with national concessions in the Republic of Croatia during electoral
campaign, enact from the Croatian Parliament, TV and radio stations have ability,
only once during the election campaign period to organize Television battle
between candidates for President of Republic of Croatia or candidates for the
Prime Minister of Republic of Croatia. (Rules of conduct of the electronic
media with national concessions in the Republic of Croatia during election campaign
Rule No. 3 and 14)
Broadcasters of other media will decide independently
to what extent they will follow the electoral campaign.
??
Television debates-References:
- Blackout period for release of election survey results
- Last Updated : 2016-12-23
??Parliamentary elections:All election campaign promotions, the publication of
election result forecasts and the publication of early, unofficial election
returns, the publication of photographs in the public broadcast media,
statements from and interviews with slate leaders and candidates and the
citation of their statements or written work is prohibited on election day
until the closing of polling stations and during the 24 hours prior to election
day.
??
Blackout period for release of election survey results-References:
- Electoral dispute resolution mechanism
- Last Updated : 2016-10-13
An objection against irregularities in the nomination procedure or electoral procedure may be submitted by any political party, independent slate leader, candidates for representatives to the Parliament, at least 100 voters or at least 5% of the voters in an electoral constituency and shall be submitted to the State Electoral Commission within 48 hours as of the expiration of the day on which the activity concerned occurred.
The State Electoral Commission shall issue a decision concerning the objection within 48 hours of the day on which the objection was submitted, or of the day on which election materials to which the objection relates were submitted.
If the State Election Commission, in rendering its decision on an
objection, establishes that there were irregularities that significantly
affected or could have affected the results of the elections, it shall declare
the activities null and void and set a deadline for such activities to be
repeated.
The applicant submitting a complaint shall have the right to file an
appeal contesting a decision of the State Electoral Commission with the
Constitutional Court of the Republic of Croatia. Appeals shall be filed with
the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Croatia through the State Electoral
Commission within 48 hours of the expiration of the day on which the contested
decision was received. The Constitutional Court of the Republic of Croatia
shall render its decision on the appeal within 48 hours of the date of its
receipt.
(Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 96, 97, 98 and 100)
Electoral dispute resolution mechanism-References:
- Alternative electoral dispute resolution mechanism
- Last Updated : 2016-10-13 There is no alternative mechanism such as reconciliation, atbitration or mediation.
Alternative electoral dispute resolution mechanism-References:
- Direct public funding
- Last Updated : 2016-10-04
Direct public funding-References:
- Private funding of political parties
- Last Updated : 2016-10-12
- If so, is there limit on the amount a donor can contribute to candidate or political party
During the calendar year, the physical and legal person may make donations to political parties, independent representatives and members of representative bodies of local and regional government in single or multiple times.
The total value of donations during the calendar year:
1. Physical person: 30 000 Kuna’s
2. Legal person:
-200, 000.00 Kuna’s
(Political activity and election campaign financing act, Article 11)
Private funding of political parties-References:
- Regulation, monitoring and investigation
- Last Updated : 2016-10-12
Regulation, monitoring and investigation-References:
- Regulation, monitoring and investigation bodies
- Last Updated : 2016-10-12
The State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia and the State Audit Office.
The State Electoral Commission of the republic of Croatia and The State Audit Office shall inform the State Attorneys Office of any identified breach of the Political activity and election campaign financing act.?
Regulation, monitoring and investigation bodies-References:
- Which electoral processes are using ICTs?
- Last Updated : 2016-10-03
-Homepage of the State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia
-e-learning for members of the voters commiettee-elections of the President of the Republic of Croatia and electionsof the representatives to the Croatian Parliament
-processing of results
Which electoral processes are using ICTs? -References:
- When it was introduced
- Last Updated : 2016-05-03
- Gender equality
- Last Updated : 2016-10-03
At the time of establishing and nominating party slates and independent slates for the elections of representatives to the Parliament, the persons nominating the slates shall act in conformity with the principle of gender equality and bear in mind a balanced representation of women and men on such slates. The slate is in line with a principle if the slate includes at least 40% of persons of both genders. (Act on the Elections of Representatives to the Croatian Parliament, Article 21. a)
Gender equality-References:
- Aids for disabled or handicapped voters
- Last Updated : 2016-10-03
If a voter is unable to vote, as a result of a physical disability or illiteracy, he may be accompanied at the polling station by another person who can read and who shall encircle the number as instructed by the voter. But if the voter is unable to appear at a polling station in person as a result of a serious illness, physical impairment or as a result of being infirm shall inform the competent electoral commission thereof at least three days before election day or the voters' committee on election day. The competent electoral commissions shall submit the requests received from voters to vote outside the polling station to the competent voters' committees along with all of the electoral material.
With respect to the realisation of the right to vote of voters who appear at the polling station, but who do not have access to the polling station, because of their physical disability or for some other reason two, the chairperson of the voters' committee shall designate at least two members of the voters' committee who shall visit the voter and enable him/her to cast a ballot.
Aids for disabled or handicapped voters -References:
- Voter education
- Last Updated : 2016-10-03
The State Electoral Commission inform voters about the implementation of the election and the possibility of exercising the protection of the right to vote in the electoral process throw the website www.izbori.hr.
Voter education-References:
- National civic education
- Last Updated : 2016-08-22 conducted by the National Electoral Management Body - conducted by NGOs/ Civic Organizations
National civic education-References:
- EMB Staff education
- Last Updated : 2016-12-23
The State Electoral Commission implement training for the members of electoral commissions and e-learning for the members of electors comittee.
EMB Staff education-References:
- Domestic observation
- Last Updated : 2016-10-03
The election procedure, the implementation of elections and the work of electoral bodies may be observed by the following:
-observers from political parties registered in the Republic of Croatia that nominated the slate of candidates or a candidate (hereinafter: "political party observers"),
-observers of voters who nominated an independent slate or a candidate (hereinafter: "voter observers"),
-observers from non-governmental organisations registered in the Republic of Croatia as an association engaged in the field of independent observing of election procedures, that is, the promotion of human and civil rights (hereinafter: "NGO observers").
A candidate at the elections may not be observer at such elections.
Domestic observation-References:
- International observation
- Last Updated : 2016-10-03
Representatives from international organizations engaged in the Republic of Croatia, representatives of diplomatic-consular missions located in the Republic of Croatia, representatives of associations of world election bodies and representatives of election bodies from other countries are entitled to a status of international observers.
During the observation, they are legally equal to domestic observers.
International observation-References:
- International observation
- Last Updated : 2016-10-03
Representatives from international organizations engaged in the Republic of Croatia, representatives of diplomatic-consular missions located in the Republic of Croatia, representatives of associations of world election bodies and representatives of election bodies from other countries are entitled to a status of international observers.
During the observation, they are legally equal to domestic observers.
International observation-References:
- Partnerships/MoUs
- Last Updated : 2016-05-03
- International Activities
- Last Updated : 2016-12-23
The Republic of Croatia has been a full-fledged OSCE participant state since 24 March 1992 and has since been regularly and equally participating in its activities through its Permanent Mission to the OSCE, UN, and other international organisations in Vienna, as well as though regular direct participation of the representatives of Croatia’s relevant bodies and institutions in the political and expert meetings held within the OSCE.
The State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia is a member of:
-OSCE-ODIHR
-IFES
-A-WEB
-ACEEEO
-IDEA International
International Activities-References:
- Major challenges to elections
- Last Updated : 2016-05-03
- Measures taken to deal with those Challenges
- Last Updated : 2016-05-03