Foreign and European Affairs Minister Vesna Pusic on Sunday assessed that the turnout at the first Croatian election for the European Parliament (EP) was similar to other European countries, adding that she expected the ruling coalition consisting of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), her Croatian People's Party (HNS) and the Croatian Pensioners' Party (HSU) would have seven candidates elected out of a total of the twelve MEPs to represent Croatia in the EP.
"Croatian citizens turned out in European-like numbers, similar to turnouts in other European countries. It will take some time for the people to get used to and to participate in political processes", HNS president said for the Nova TV commercial station.
According to information released by the State Election Commission around 14.63% of the electorate had cast their ballot by 4 pm.
Asked whether the government could have done more to ensure that more voters went to the polls, Pusic said that a poor turnout was not just a Croatian problem.
"Things can always be better. But that's not a problem that is specific to Croatia (...). I think people will be more motivated to take part in the European election next year when they become a little more familiar with these institutions", Pusic underscored.
She added that it was necessary to hold the European election separately from the local election as they dealt with different themes. "It is one thing to elect mayors and councillors in a local community and something completely different to elect members to the European Parliament", she said.
