CROATIAN ACTING PRESIDENT VISITS INTERNATIONAL PRESS CENTRE

ZAGREB, Jan 24 (Hina) - The presidential election proceeded correctly and without incidents, assessed Croatian National Parliament President Vlatko Pavletic, who is the acting head of state. The credit for it can be given to those who prepared the voting and contributed to creating an atmosphere of this presidential polls in accordance with standards of other democratic states, Pavletic said on Monday evening when he toured the International Press Centre set up in Zagreb for the presidential ballot. Somewhat smaller turnout this time compared to the turnout registered at the recent parliamentary election was expected for Pavletic. According to him, causes for this can be severe winter weather as well as the fact that the interest in the election in the first round is weaker. Pavletic assessed that the turnout at the possible run-off ballot between the two top contestants, scheduled for February 7, might be better. It is important for citizens to realise that in semi-presidential system, which is in force in Croatia, it is not enough to elect members of parliament and government but it is also important to go to the polls and elect the President, Pavletic told reporters. He did not want to speak more of possibilities who of nine contestants will win the vote. Pavletic maintained that there are three fore-runners. (hina) ms