The Determinants of Voter Turnout in Croatian Local Government Elections

Authors

  • Francisco Bastida Prince Sultan University
  • Mihaela Bronić Institute of Public Finance in Zagreb
  • Marija Opačak Eror University of Zadar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20899/jpna.gdmpzd87

Keywords:

Budget transparency, Voter turnout, Local government, Elections, Post-communist country

Abstract

This study examines the factors influencing voter turnout in the 556 Croatian local governments over 2014-2021. The previous electoral turnout has a negative influence on the following elections turnout, which is consistent with the declining trend in participation at local governments’ polls. In addition, municipal management issues affecting voters’ pockets (welfare benefits) affect electoral turnout. Moreover, traditional parties are failing to mobilize their voters, while corruption does not influence electoral turnout, perhaps because of Croatians’ lack of confidence in politicians and their efforts to curb corruption. Reelection of the party in office and big electoral win margin discourage citizens from voting, as they feel that there is no room for influencing the final electoral outcome. This feature confirms the basic rational choice model of voting (turnout is higher in more competitive political systems). Finally, our findings do not indicate a significant impact of budget transparency on voter turnout.

Author Biographies

  • Francisco Bastida, Prince Sultan University

    Francisco Bastida, Ph.D., CMA, is a professor of accounting at Prince Sultan University (Saudi Arabia), and researcher at the International Doctoral School of the University of Murcia (Spain). His research focuses on public sector budgeting and management. He has recently published in Economia Politica and Administration & Society.

  • Mihaela Bronić, Institute of Public Finance in Zagreb

    Mihaela Bronić, Ph.D., is a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Public Finance in Zagreb, Croatia. Her research focuses on public sector economics, fiscal policy, taxation, and the efficiency and transparency of government spending.

  • Marija Opačak Eror, University of Zadar

    Marija Opačak Eror, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Economics, University of Zadar, Croatia. Her main research interests focus on environmental economics, sustainability, and transparency.

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Published

2026-09-15

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Research Articles

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How to Cite

The Determinants of Voter Turnout in Croatian Local Government Elections. (2026). Journal of Public and Nonprofit Affairs, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.20899/jpna.gdmpzd87