DUBROVNIK-NERETVA COUNTY GETS NEW PREFECT

DUBROVNIK, Nov 25 (Hina) - The southern Croatian Dubrovnik-Neretva County Assembly on Wednesday held its constituent session in Dubrovnik. Ivan Sprlje of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was elected County Prefect. As a candidate of an opposition alliance, he received more votes than Stipe Gabric-Jambo of the governing Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ). A prefect's election has to be confirmed by the President of the Republic at a government proposal. The President must make a decision either confirming or rejecting the elected prefect within 14 days from receiving the government proposal. Vido Bogdanovic of the Croatian Peasants' Party (HSS) was elected County Assembly President. Elections in Dubrovnik-Neretva County were held last October, following an agreement of councillors from the ruling and opposition parties to dissolve the County Assembly. In the newly elected Assembly, the opposition alliance, which includes the HSS, the SDP, the Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS), and the Liberal Party (LS), has 25 out of 40 seats, including the HSS's 10, the SDP's 10, the HSLS's three, and the LS's two. The HDZ has 13, while the remaining two seats belong to two members from an independent list. (hina) ha jn