ZAGREB, 26 June 2022 - A total of 27,468 voters, or 21.74 per cent, turned out by 4.30 pm on Sunday for an early local election in the southern coastal city of Split, which is 12 per cent less than at the same time at last year's ordinary local elections.
The citizens of Split are choosing a mayor among nine candidates, and 31 city councillors from 11 lists of candidates. Voters can cast their ballots at 163 polling stations, which opened at 7 am and close at 7 pm.
The State Electoral Commission (DIP) is due to announce initial results on its website at 9 pm.
The nine mayoral candidates are: Ivica Puljak of the Centre party; Zoran Đogaš, who is supported by the HDZ and HSS parties; former mayor Željko Kerum, backed by his HGS party; Josip Markotić of the Bridge party; the SDP's candidate Davor Matijević; independent Ante Franić; Kristina Vidan of the Smart (Pametno) party; Tamara Visković of the We Can and New Left parties, and Aris Zlodre of the Homeland Movement.
The snap election in Croatia's second largest city was called after Mayor Ivica Puljak and his two deputies, who were elected in 2022, resigned on 8 April following a scandal involving Deputy Mayor Bojan Ivošević, who threatened a local reporter and was subsequently indicted for intimidation. After their resignation, members of the 31-seat City Council also stepped down.
(Hina) vm
