Reuters reports that the conservative Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) remains the strongest party on the country's political scene, but also notes that the opposition has proven stronger than expected.
The agency reports that the party, led by Prime Minister Ivo Sanader, is in the lead in nine of 21 counties, and that it has won the best results in rural areas, as before. The party has suffered a major defeat in four big cities, including Zagreb, where the elections have been won by the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the agency says.
The German news agency DPA carries statements by analysts saying that post-election coalitions will decide who will hold power in a city or country, because the strongest parties will have to seek partners to be able to elect mayors and county heads.
DPA also reports that according to preliminary results the SDP of former prime minister Ivica Racan is in the lead in 14 of 21 counties and notes than the electorate has probably punished Sanader for unfulfilled electoral promises, including the creation of new jobs, a higher living standard, and failed efforts to bring the country closer to the EU.
Local analysts believe that the reason for the waning support for the HDZ are modest economic results and the failure to start EU entry talks, France Presse reports.
The BBC reports that the elections will be remembered for the record low turnout of less than 35 percent in relation to the 2001 elections, when the turnout was about 47 percent.
There are few clear electoral winners, so the actual structure of local government will be known only after all results are established and agreement is reached on post-election coalitions, the BBC reports.