Milanovic, backed by 37 percent of the electorate, faces his main rival Dragan Primorac, who has the support of 20 percent and is backed by the conservative HDZ party.

The election comes as Croatia, a European Union and NATO member, grapples with biting inflation, widespread corruption, and a labor shortage. None of the candidates are expected to secure more than 50 percent of the vote, making a runoff in two weeks likely.

During the campaign, Milanovic and Primorac frequently traded insults. Milanovic, a former leftist prime minister, has been a prominent political figure for nearly two decades and won the presidency in 2020 for the opposition Social Democrats (SDP). He has been known for his sharp rhetoric and criticism of political opponents and EU officials.

Primorac, a physician and scientist returning to politics after 15 years, campaigned as a "unifier" promoting family values and patriotism. He accused Milanovic of "disgracing Croatia," a claim that resonated with many voters.

Despite the president's limited powers, the office is seen as crucial for maintaining the political balance of power. Croatia has been mainly governed by the HDZ since its independence in 1991. Milanovic's presidency is viewed by some as a barrier preventing all levers of power from falling into HDZ's hands.

Voting stations opened at 7:00 am (0600 GMT) and will close twelve hours later, with exit polls expected soon after. The election is seen as a continuation of the longstanding feud between Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, with broader implications for Croatia's political direction. (ILKHA)