Interest in local politics continues to decline with every new election cycle, as shown by the number of candidates running in the upcoming local elections on May 18. A total of 31,082 candidates have entered the race—7,770 fewer than four years ago, reports HINA.
In the 2017 elections for local legislative and executive positions, there were 47,601 candidates, and twelve years ago that number reached 56,558, according to data published by the State Electoral Commission (DIP).
This means that compared to 2013, 25,476 fewer people have put themselves forward as candidates this year.
More Men Than Women Standing for Election
Men still outnumber women among the candidates: 17,837 men are running (57.39%), compared to 13,245 women (42.61%).
Measured by percentage, the share of female candidates has slightly dropped compared to the 2021 elections, when it stood at 42.72%.
The average age of candidates is nearly 47 years. Female candidates are slightly younger, averaging 45 years, while male candidates average 48 years.
Younger voters are underrepresented: only 12.1% of candidates are under the age of 30, which equates to 3,761 people.
From Youngest to Oldest: Wide Age Range Among Candidates
The youngest candidate is on the list of a voter group led by Karlo Kovač, and the youngest female candidate appears on the coalition list of DOMiNO and Croatian Sovereigntists—both were born on April 24, 2007, having only just turned 18.
The oldest candidate, aged 96, is on the list of a voter group led by Dražen Vranić, while the oldest female candidate, aged 91, appears on the Možemo and SDP list.