The Presidential Election in Croatia, January 2005

In: Electoral Studies, Band 25, Heft 1, S. 177-184

Abstract

The electoral campaigns & the results of the January 2005 Croatian presidential election are covered. An overview of the Croatian political system is presented, and the principal candidates in the 2005 presidential election are identified. Several issues that dominated the electoral campaign are highlighted: the extradition of suspected war criminals to international legal bodies; the inclusion of Croatia in future European expansion; & the use of Croatian pipelines to transport oil from Russia to the Adriatic Sea. Although favored candidates Stjepan Mesic & Jadranka Kosor succeeded to the second round run-off, it is contended that Boris Miksics strong performance during the first round demonstrates the Croatian publics growing disenchantment with the nation's political elite. Questions concerning the influence of the national media on Mesics overriding victory in the second round & the extent of electoral corruption are also answered. It is concluded that Mesics credibility as a presidential candidate & consideration of important foreign relations & security issues during the campaign contributed to his electoral success. Tables, References. J. W. Parker