"These results show nothing but that the HDZ is the strongest political party in Croatia," Sanader said, adding that Kosor demonstrated that she was capable of facing an opponent, incumbent President Stjepan Mesic, who was backed by 10 parties.
Sanader said Kosor was the most successful woman politician since Croatia gained independence because she showed that she could face a strong opponent and enter the presidential runoff. He added Kosor surpassed women politicians like Savka Dabcevic-Kucar, Vesna Pusic and Zeljka Antunovic.
"Perhaps the time has still not come in Croatia for a woman president," Sanader said, adding that Kosor did a great campaign which Mesic entered as a favourite. He added Kosor entered the campaign wholeheartedly, bravely and with a vision.
Sanader said he would congratulate Mesic on the election victory later tonight. He added their cooperation over the past year had been good and voiced hoped it would continue to be so.
Asked to comment on the presidential campaign, Sanader said campaigning was a specific political time of highlighting candidates' virtues and shortcomings. He added Croatian candidates were much more restrained than abroad, where he said campaigns were much fiercer.