Nova Gradiška mayoral elections head to second round

The first round of extraordinary mayoral elections in Nova Gradiška has resulted in a runoff, as no candidate secured more than 50 percent of the vote. A second round is scheduled for September 20.

According to unofficial results, Sabina Vlaović and Matej Zboril of the Independent List led with approximately 1,648 to 1,654 votes. They will face the HDZ candidates, Bruno Bušić and Ivan Sertić, who received approximately 1,608 votes. Borislav Vidošić and Bernard Kumić, representing another independent list, garnered 957 to 958 votes, meaning their supporters may hold the deciding influence in the upcoming round.

This marks the third election in Nova Gradiška within 15 months. The recent cycle of extraordinary elections follows the arrest and subsequent resignation of former mayor Vinko Grgić during anti-corruption investigations by USKOK. Grgić, who had previously been elected in a prior extraordinary election, withdrew from politics following the investigations.