Nova Gradiška mayoral election runoff

The mayoral election process in Nova Gradiška has entered a runoff stage after no candidate secured a majority in the recent early local elections.

Leading up to the vote, Bruno Bušić and his ‘Tim ZA grad’ coalition campaigned on social programs, including subsidized or free kindergartens and expanded medical services. These efforts faced opposition from councilwoman Sabina Vlaović, who raised concerns regarding transparency and potential conflicts of interest involving candidate Ivan Sertić and the company CEKOM.

Unofficial results from the first round confirm a runoff between two main blocs. Sabina Vlaović and Matej Zboril of the Independent List led with approximately 1,648 and 1,654 votes, respectively. They will face HDZ candidates Bruno Bušić and Ivan Sertić, who received approximately 1,608 votes. Borislav Vidošić and Bernard Kumić, representing another independent list, garnered 957 and 958 votes, suggesting their supporters may hold the deciding influence in the upcoming round.

This election is part of a series of extraordinary votes following the resignation of former mayor Vinko Grgić during corruption investigations by USKOK. This marks the third election in Nova Gradiška within 15 months. A second round of voting is scheduled for September 20.