In its January 22 EU entry referendum, Croatia is deciding about its accession to the European Union on 1 July 2013, foreign correspondents in Zagreb report today.
All news agencies note that the latest opinion polls have shown that some 60 percent of Croatians support the country's EU membership and that the EU entry vote is the first referendum to be held after the referendum on the country's independence in May 1991, since when EU membership has been one of the country's strategic national goals.
News agencies also report that all state officials have called on citizens to go to the polls, as have political parties, a large number of nongovernmental organisations and Catholic bishops. The state election commission expects results from most polling stations to be known around 10 pm.
A positive decision on Croatia's EU accession requires the support of at least 50 percent of voters taking part in the referendum, plus one vote.
A total of 6,749 polling stations have been opened in the country and abroad. Slightly more than 4.5 million people are entitled to vote and answer the referendum question "Are you in favour of Croatia becoming a member of the European Union?"
The voting lasts from 7 am to 7 pm and agencies report that it has already started in New Zealand, Australia and Asian countries. A polling station in the west of the United States will be closed last on Monday.
