Croatia's ruling party searches partners after poll

No outright winner but Croatia's ruling conservative party has the most seats. That was the picture after yesterday's general election, with 95 per cent of the votes counted.

Prime Minister Ivo Sanader's HDZ grouping had 60 seats, while his closest rivals, the Social Democrats, were just behind on 57.

Both fell short of the 77 needed for a majority and, therefore, the hunt is on for coalition partners.

Sanader said: "The HDZ's victory is certain. Croatian voters have shown that they trust us and the policies we have been implementing over the last four years."

Zoran Milanovic believes his Social Democrats may yet be able to pull enough smaller parties on board to lead the country. He said: "We are immediately starting talks on forming a new government and I am sure we shall succeed."

It is up to the president to nominate the next prime minister. Stjepan Mesic said he will give the mandate to whoever can prove that they will have a majority in parliament.