Milanovic, the incumbent, is expected to win Croatia’s presidential election

According to the State Electoral Commission, incumbent president Zoran Milanovic, who was running against the opposition Socialist Democrats, was expected to win a second term in office in Sunday’s first round of Croatia’s presidential election.

Initial results indicated that Milanovic had received 50.1% of the vote, much ahead of his primary opponent Dragan Primorac, the candidate of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), who received 22.3%, according to data from around 52% of polling places.

Approximately 3.8 million Croats could cast ballots, selecting from eight candidates representing a range of political views. The presidency is primarily a ceremonial position.

A second round of voting will be held on January 12 if no candidate receives a majority.

The former prime minister Milanovic has been at odds with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on foreign and public policy during his five-year term, which ends on February 18. He has also been harshly critical of NATO and the European Union for their backing of Ukraine.

The president can influence foreign policy, defense, and security issues, but he cannot veto laws.

Many saw Milanovic, despite his populist rhetoric, as the sole alternative to the HDZ-dominated administration, which has seen the resignation of 30 ministers in recent years due to accusations of corruption.