Electoral system / Campaignes

Public Administration Minister Arsen Bauk announced in Parliament on Tuesday that before the second reading of the bill on the financing of political activity, election campaigning and referendums he would ease the ban for civil society organisations to finance referendum activities.

Activists of a few nongovernmental organisations on Monday raised their voice against prohibiting civil society associations and foundations from financing referendum activities and promotion, as envisaged by a bill on financing political activities, election campaigns and referenda, which is to receive first reading in the national parliament.

Prohibiting civil society organizations from financing referendum campaigns is almost tantamount to prohibiting parties from financing their own election campaigns, considering the fact that referenda are one of the main forms of citizens’ activism and direct decision-making. At the same, time, political parties are enabled to “buy” parliamentary representatives.

Prohibiting civil society organizations from financing referendum campaigns is almost tantamount to prohibiting parties from financing their own election campaigns, considering the fact that referenda are one of the main forms of citizens’ activism and direct decision-making. At the same, time, political parties are enabled to “buy” parliamentary representatives.

Croatian President Ivo Josipovic and his challenger Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), who will compete in the presidential runoff set for 11 January, can raise donations for their campaigns until 9 January, the State Electoral Commission (DIP) recalls.