2009–10 Croatian presidential election

File:Stjepan Mesić (2004-02-25) (cropped).jpg, the term-limited incumbent president whose term expired on 18 February 2010.]]

After serving two consecutive five-year terms, the incumbent president Stjepan Mesić was not eligible to run in the 2009 election.

The elections officially began on 4 November, with the start of the period for the collecting of signatures needed to become an official candidate.{{cite web | url=http://metro-portal.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/poceli-teci-rokovi-za-predsjednicke-izbore | title=Počeli teći rokovi za predsjedničke izbore | date=November 5, 2009 | work=metro-portal.hr | language=hr | access-date=2009-11-28}} Each candidate had 12 days to collect 10,000 written signatures from citizens who are eligible to vote. After the 12 days expired, the signatures were verified and on November 18 the State Electoral Commission announced the 12 candidates that managed to collect the necessary number of signatures. The next day the official 37-day campaign began and went until 24 hours before Election Day, which happened to be Christmas Day, midnight.

The first round was held on 27 December{{cite web | work=Večernji list | date=October 30, 2009 | url=http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/predsjednicki-izbori-sazvani-27-prosinca-drugi-krug-10-sijecnja-clanak-42821 | title=Prvi krug predsjedničkih izbora u Hrvatskoj održat će se 27. prosinca | language=hr | access-date=2009-11-28 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091102064025/http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/predsjednicki-izbori-sazvani-27-prosinca-drugi-krug-10-sijecnja-clanak-42821 | archive-date=November 2, 2009 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} and no candidate managed to obtain 50% + one vote, so a second round was held on 10 January 2010 between the two candidates that achieved the most votes, Ivo Josipović and Milan Bandić. Each candidate could have withdrawn from the election at any time.

Although officially the campaign started on 19 November, in reality it began as early as summer of 2009. The main political parties had not yet announced their nominees for president in the summer, but certain high-ranking politicians{{who|date=November 2012}} had expressed their interest in running very early.

The governing HDZ saw considerable drama in selecting their candidate for president. Ever since late 2008, there was much speculation that prime minister Ivo Sanader would run for the presidency, although he frequently denied such speculation.{{cite web|url=http://www.nacional.hr/clanak/52789/bitka-za-predsjednika-u-trolistu-sanader-cacic-jurcic |title=Bitka za predsjednika u trolistu Sanader-Čačić-Jurčić? |trans-title=Battle for the presidential office in Sanader-Čačić-Jurčić triangle? |date=3 February 2009 |publisher=Nacional |language=hr |access-date=14 December 2009 |archive-date=13 June 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613171905/http://www.nacional.hr/clanak/52789/bitka-za-predsjednika-u-trolistu-sanader-cacic-jurcic |author=Srećko Jurdana }} After the local elections, the speculation grew as no other candidates publicly hinted they would run. However, Ivo Sanader unexpectedly decided not only to not run for the presidency, but to resign as prime minister and retire from active politics altogether, announcing his decision on 1 July 2009.{{cite web | url=http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-40733720090701 | title=Croatia's PM Sanader resigns, quits politics | date=1 July 2009 | work=Reuters | access-date=14 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090705164725/http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-40733720090701 | archive-date=5 July 2009 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}

Sanader nominated Andrija Hebrang as the party's candidate for president, a decision that was backed by the remainder of the party's presidency after a while,{{cite web | work=Metro-portal.hr | date=July 29, 2009 | url=http://metro-portal.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/andrija-hebrang-predsjednicki-kandidat-hdz-a | title=Andrija Hebrang predsjednički kandidat HDZ-a | language=hr | access-date=2009-11-28 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090802022236/http://metro-portal.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/andrija-hebrang-predsjednicki-kandidat-hdz-a | archive-date=August 2, 2009 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} but not before widespread rumours started about the HDZ member Nadan Vidošević, a prominent businessman, being the presidency's favorite candidate. Vidošević however rejected these claims.{{cite web | url = http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/jutarnje-prognoze-nadan-vidosevic-kandidat-hdza-za-predsjednika/443182.aspx | title = Vidošević za Index: U predsjedničku utrku idem jedino kao nezavisni kandidat! | date = July 24, 2009 | work = Index.hr/Jutarnji list | language = hr | access-date = December 25, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090727175143/http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/jutarnje-prognoze-nadan-vidosevic-kandidat-hdza-za-predsjednika/443182.aspx | archive-date = July 27, 2009 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} Hebrang also hesitated before accepting the party nomination, explaining it with health reasons.{{cite web | url = http://web1.slobodnadalmacija.hr/Hrvatska/tabid/66/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/63730/Default.aspx | work = Slobodna Dalmacija | title = Andrija Hebrang zdrav i spreman za predsjedničku utrku | language = hr | date = July 27, 2009 | access-date = December 26, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110721102027/http://web1.slobodnadalmacija.hr/Hrvatska/tabid/66/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/63730/Default.aspx | archive-date = July 21, 2011 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }} Vidošević formally announced his bid as an independent candidate on September 2, and was expelled from his party soon after that.{{cite web | url = http://www.r-1.hr/nadan_vido%C5%A1evic_izbacen_iz_hdz_a/29819_4 | title = Nadan Vidošević izbačen iz HDZ-a | publisher = R1 regionalna radio mreža | work = R1 Portal r-1.hr | language = hr | date = September 2, 2009 | access-date = September 8, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110721101931/http://www.r-1.hr/nadan_vido%C5%A1evic_izbacen_iz_hdz_a/29819_4 | archive-date = July 21, 2011 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }} Also, Ivo Sanader was not the only member of the cabinet to resign as Minister of Education Dragan Primorac also announced his retirement on the very same day as the prime minister. There was much speculation that Primorac resigned as he was not his party's candidate for president and that he resigned so he could run as an independent. The speculation proved to be true and Primorac announced his candidacy on 9 November 2009.{{cite web | url = http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/index-doznaje-dragan-primorac-krenuo-u-predsjednicku-utrku-za-pantovcak/449844.aspx | title = Index doznaje: Dragan Primorac krenuo u predsjedničku utrku za Pantovčak | work = Index.hr | date = September 11, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = September 11, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090914040443/http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/index-doznaje-dragan-primorac-krenuo-u-predsjednicku-utrku-za-pantovcak/449844.aspx | archive-date = September 14, 2009 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} He was then also ejected from HDZ membership.{{cite web|publisher=Business.hr|url=http://www.business.hr/vijesti/video-kosorica-izbacila-primorca-iz-hdz-a|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217154620/http://www.business.hr/vijesti/video-kosorica-izbacila-primorca-iz-hdz-a|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 February 2013|language=hr|title=Kosorica izbacila Primorca iz HDZ-a|trans-title=Kosor ejects Primorac from HDZ|date=5 November 2009|access-date=7 November 2012}}

The Social Democratic Party of Croatia also saw some controversy in the process of nominating a candidate. Immediately after the 2009 local elections and Milan Bandić's landslide victory in Zagreb as a candidate of the Social Democrats, there was much talk of his potential candidacy for president. Before the election, many influential members of SDP urged Zoran Milanović, the president of the party, to intervene and nominate someone other than Bandić, referring to numerous corruption and malversation allegations made against him during his tenure as the mayor of Zagreb.{{cite web|url=http://www.nacional.hr/en/clanak/44700/bandic-and-milanovic-fighting-it-out-for-zagreb |title=Bandic and Milanovic fighting it out for Zagreb |date=21 April 2008 |work=Nacional |access-date=14 December 2009 |author=Robert Bajruši |archive-date=13 June 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613171842/http://www.nacional.hr/en/clanak/44700/bandic-and-milanovic-fighting-it-out-for-zagreb }} However, Milanović denied the widespread rumours about internal turmoil and publicly supported Milan Bandić in the mayoral campaign,{{cite web | url=http://colonia.tino.javno.info/gn.php?m=3&rbr=20856&kategorija=0 | title=Milanović: Došao sam kao podrška | date=21 April 2009 | work=Javno.hr | language=hr | access-date=14 December 2009 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} making him the target of an open letter signed by many prominent left-wing intellectuals, in which they attacked Bandić and endorsed Josip Kregar.{{cite web | url=http://www.h-alter.org/vijesti/vijesti/otvoreno-pismo-milanovic-izdao-socijaldemokraciju | title=Otvoreno pismo: Milanović izdao socijaldemokraciju | date=9 July 2008 | work=H-alter.org | language=hr | access-date=14 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727020859/http://www.h-alter.org/vijesti/vijesti/otvoreno-pismo-milanovic-izdao-socijaldemokraciju | archive-date=27 July 2011 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} Although Milanović dismissed these charges, SDP conspicuously put Bandić at the bottom of the electoral list for the city council, which prompted further accusations of hypocrisy from their opponents.{{cite web | url = http://www.tportal.hr/vijesti/lokalni-izbori-2009/18444/Milanovic-podrzava-Bnadica-s-figom-u-dzepu.html | title = Milanović podržava Bandića s figom u džepu | work = T-portal | date = April 23, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = December 29, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110610224452/http://www.tportal.hr/vijesti/lokalni-izbori-2009/18444/Milanovic-podrzava-Bnadica-s-figom-u-dzepu.html | archive-date = June 10, 2011 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}

On 20 June the SDP presidency chose two of their members of parliament as candidates for the SDP nomination: Ivo Josipović, a law professor and known jurist, and Ljubo Jurčić, an economics professor and former Minister of the Economy, Labour and Entrepreneurship. Other candidates were allowed to be submitted, however, Milan Bandić refused.{{cite web | url=http://www.rtl.hr/jurcic-ili-josipovic-clanak-8819 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120919063435/http://www.rtl.hr/jurcic-ili-josipovic-clanak-8819 | url-status=dead | archive-date=September 19, 2012 | title=Jurčić ili Josipović? | date=20 June 2009 | work=RTL Televizija | language=hr | access-date=14 December 2009 }}

On 12 July a primary election was held between the two social democrats and Ivo Josipović won with 64.78% of the vote from around ten thousand party members.{{cite web | url=http://www.javno.com/en-croatia/ivo-josipovic-is-sdp-party-presidential-candidate_269985 | title=Ivo Josipovic is SDP Party Presidential Candidate | date=12 July 2009 | work=Javno.hr | access-date=14 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090716215218/http://www.javno.com/en-croatia/ivo-josipovic-is-sdp-party-presidential-candidate_269985 | archive-date=16 July 2009 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}{{cite web | work = Net.hr | date = 2009-07-12 | url = http://arhiva.net.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/page/2009/07/12/0130006.html | title = SDP odabrao: Ivu za predsjednika! | language = hr | access-date = 2009-11-04 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091217100439/http://arhiva.net.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/page/2009/07/12/0130006.html | archive-date = 2009-12-17 | url-status = live }}

However, the 'Bandić problem' escalated in the coming months as the media continued to speculate about his potential candidacy. Bandić started to travel throughout Croatia without a stated common agenda, and the press followed his every step and constantly asked him if he would run for the presidency. He consistently refused to comment, drawing more and more media attention with his indecisiveness.{{cite web | url=http://izbori.tportal.hr/arhiva/izbori/35338/Bandic-malo-hoce-pa-nece-u-predsjednicku-utrku.html | title=Bandić malo hoće pa neće u predsjedničku utrku | date=11 September 2009 | work=T-portal.hr | language=hr | access-date=14 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818185647/http://izbori.tportal.hr/arhiva/izbori/35338/Bandic-malo-hoce-pa-nece-u-predsjednicku-utrku.html | archive-date=18 August 2011 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }} Finally, the drama was concluded when he officially announced his candidacy for president in a speech on 5 November at 7 am on Sljeme criticizing Zoran Milanović and his former party for turning against him saying that he was one of the founders of SDP emphasizing that he stood with the party through the good and the bad times.{{cite web | url=http://www.javno.com/hr-hrvatska/video--kao-feniks-se-dizem-i-kandidiram_280439 | title=Kao Feniks se dižem i kandidiram | date=5 November 2009 | work=Javno.com | language=hr | access-date=14 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107102244/http://www.javno.com/hr-hrvatska/video--kao-feniks-se-dizem-i-kandidiram_280439 | archive-date=7 January 2010 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }} Bandić was automatically expelled from SDP, losing his position as a member of party's presidency and leader of the Zagreb branch of SDP.{{cite web | url = http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/bandic-izbacen-sdp-a-sljemenu-objavio-kandidaturu-clanak-45342 | title = Bandić izbačen iz SDP-a; na Sljemenu objavio kandidaturu | work = Večernji list | language = hr | date = November 4, 2009 | access-date = November 5, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091107091113/http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/bandic-izbacen-sdp-a-sljemenu-objavio-kandidaturu-clanak-45342 | archive-date = November 7, 2009 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} Despite that, he declared on Croatian national television HRT that he still finds himself as true Social Democrat and that he'll proudly keep his SDP membership card nr. 2. SDP later made a statement that Bandić's membership card number was 38159.{{cite web|publisher=Index.hr|url=http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/video--bandiceva-kampanja-pocela-s-neistinom-broj-iskaznice-u-sdpu-nije-2-nego-38159/458542.aspx|language=hr|title=Bandićeva kampanja počela s neistinom: Broj iskaznice u SDP-u nije "2" nego "38159"|trans-title=Bandić campaign kicks off with a fallacy: Number of the SDP membership card is not 2 but 38159|date=5 November 2009|access-date=7 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091108115818/http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/video--bandiceva-kampanja-pocela-s-neistinom-broj-iskaznice-u-sdpu-nije-2-nego-38159/458542.aspx|archive-date=2009-11-08|url-status=live}}

File:Round table presidential.jpg

By the time the nominations period started, most major political parties nominated their candidates for president:

• The governing Croatian Democratic Union nominated Andrija Hebrang, a former vice-president of the Croatian government and former Minister of Health and Social Services.
• The main opposition party SDP nominated Ivo Josipović, a professor of law at the University of Zagreb, a lecturer at the Zagreb Musical Academy and an SDP MP.
• The Croatian People's Party – Liberal Democrats nominated Vesna Pusić, the head of the parliamentary committee in charge of overseeing the negotiation process of Croatia and the European Union.
• The Istrian Democratic Assembly nominated Damir Kajin, their longtime representative in the Croatian Parliament.

The major independent candidates originating in the two largest parties are:

• Nadan Vidošević, the president of the Croatian Economic Chamber, formerly in HDZ
• Milan Bandić, mayor of Zagreb, formerly in SDP
• Dragan Primorac, former Minister of Education, formerly in HDZ

Several other candidates also had a history of association with major parties:

• Vesna Škare Ožbolt, former Minister of Justice, switched from HDZ to DC in 2000
• Miroslav Tuđman, former head of Central Intelligence Service, formerly in HDZ in 1990s

Political party candidates were selected within party elections, or were elected by party bodies, and they are the party's sole official candidates. All parliamentary parties have a policy to support only one candidate, and if their member announces an independent nomination, he or she automatically loses their party membership. Parliamentary parties that do not candidate their member for the president, usually publicly support someone. These parties can be listed on the electoral list for the president, but sometimes their support is just a public endorsement. Regional-right wing HDSSB supported independent candidate Milan Bandić, and regional-centrist PGS supported independent Nadan Vidošević.

After the election, the Constitution does not allow the President to be a member of any political party{{cite web |url=http://www.usud.hr/default.aspx?Show=ustav_republike_hrvatske&Lang=en |title=The Constitution of the Republic of Croatia |publisher=Constitutional Court of the Republic of Croatia |access-date=2009-11-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080629115541/http://www.usud.hr/default.aspx?Show=ustav_republike_hrvatske&Lang=en |archive-date=2008-06-29 }} so he or she must resign from membership, if there is one.

Out of 19 persons who submitted signatures to the State Electoral Commission, 13 of them were regular, but one of them withdrew. The following 12 candidates ran for Sunday, December 27, 2009, presidential elections.

• Veljko Džakula, the leader of a non-governmental organization Serbian Democratic Forum, entered the race{{cite web |url=http://izbori.tportal.hr/kandidati/40597/Prvi-i-jedini-manjinski-predsjednicki-kandidat.html |title=Prvi i jedini manjinski predsjednički kandidat- 2010 predsjednički izbori – tportal.hr |work=T-portal |language=hr |date=2009-10-23 |access-date=2009-12-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091212204514/http://izbori.tportal.hr/kandidati/40597/Prvi-i-jedini-manjinski-predsjednicki-kandidat.html |archive-date=2009-12-12 |url-status=live }} and became a candidate of three Croatian Serb parties: Serb People's Party, Democratic Party of Serbs and New Serb Party (Nova srpska stranka). He submitted 10,557 signatures to the electoral commission on November 16. However, he then withdrew on November 17.

• Dean Golubić announced an independent candidacy{{cite web | url = http://www.24sata.hr/news/dean-golubic-bi-htio-biti-predsjednik-sa-25-godina/142601/ | title = Dean Golubić bi htio biti predsjednik sa 25 godina | work = 24 sata | date = October 29, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = December 25, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091105165310/http://www.24sata.hr/news/dean-golubic-bi-htio-biti-predsjednik-sa-25-godina/142601/ | archive-date = November 5, 2009 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }} on a far right platform. He announced his withdrawal on 16 November.{{cite web|url=http://metro-portal.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/predsjednicki-izbori/predano-19-kandidatura-za-predsjednika-hrvatske/ |title=Predano 19 kandidatura za predsjednika Hrvatske » Predsjednički izbori |work=Metro-portal.hr | language = hr |date= November 17, 2009 |access-date=2009-12-25}}
• Sead Hasanović, better known as Braco Cigan, from Željko Malnar's TV-show Nightmare Stage, ran as an independent candidate.[http://www.ezadar.hr/clanak/utrka-za-pantovcak-kandidirao-se-i-braco-cigan Utrka za Pantovčak: Kandidirao se i Braco Cigan!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091003231920/http://www.ezadar.hr/clanak/utrka-za-pantovcak-kandidirao-se-i-braco-cigan |date=2009-10-03 }}, eZadar, October 1, 2009 He submitted around 6,000 signatures and was rejected.
• Stjepan Kravarščan submitted only one signature to the electoral commission on November 13 and was rejected.{{cite web |url=http://www.24sata.hr/news/donio-samo-jedan-potpis-nije-ga-podrzala-niti-zena/145036/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217161419/http://www.24sata.hr/news/donio-samo-jedan-potpis-nije-ga-podrzala-niti-zena/145036/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-02-17 |title=Lagao da je skupio potpise te predao prazne papire? |publisher=24sata |language=hr |date=2009-11-16 |access-date=2009-12-25 }}
• Zahir Kurbašić was nominated by the Women's Democratic Party{{cite web |url=http://www.tportal.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/39330/Demokratska-stranka-zena-kandidirala-muskarca.html |title=Demokratska stranka žena kandidirala muškarca!? |publisher=Tportal.hr |language=hr |date=2009-10-14 |access-date=2009-12-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610223434/http://www.tportal.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/39330/Demokratska-stranka-zena-kandidirala-muskarca.html |archive-date=2011-06-10 |url-status=live }} but failed to ensure an official candidature.
• Denis Latin, a popular Croatian TV journalist, announced his independent candidacy{{cite web | url = http://www.glasistre.hr/hrvatska/vijest/77680 | work = Glas Istre | title = Denis Latin kandidat za predsjednika države | date = June 23, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = November 12, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090626134112/http://www.glasistre.hr/hrvatska/vijest/77680 | archive-date = June 26, 2009 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} on a liberal platform, but after several months he changed his mind.{{cite web | url = http://vijesti.gorila.hr/zagreb_i_hrvatska/hrvatska_i_svijet/hrvatska/denis_latin_odustao_od_kandidature_za_predsjednika | work = Gorila Vijesti/Jutarnji list | title = Denis Latin odustao od kandidature za predsjednika | date = September 11, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = November 12, 2009 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120719043718/http://vijesti.gorila.hr/zagreb_i_hrvatska/hrvatska_i_svijet/hrvatska/denis_latin_odustao_od_kandidature_za_predsjednika | archive-date = July 19, 2012 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }}
• Slobodan Midžić submitted no signatures to the electoral commission saying that he "seeks to represent a president of the SFR Yugoslavia for the election of the president of the European Union". Madžić had also failed to nominate himself for 2007 parliamentary elections since his electoral list held the name of League of Communists of Yugoslavia, the party that does not exist.{{cite web |url=http://www.javno.com/hr-hrvatska/foto--izbori-bez-saveza-komunista_94771 |title=FOTO: Izbori bez Saveza komunista – Hrvatska |publisher=Javno.hr |language=hr |date=November 2, 2007 |access-date=2009-12-25 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909135209/http://www.javno.com/hr-hrvatska/foto--izbori-bez-saveza-komunista_94771 |archive-date=September 9, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}
• Marija Štrajh, Croatian television host {{cite web | url=http://www.index.hr/xmag/clanak/predsjednicka-kandidatkinja-marija-strajh-protiv-prostitucije-i-droge-ali-za-homoseksualce/453672.aspx | title=Predsjednička kandidatkinja Marija Štrajh protiv prostitucije i droge, ali za homoseksualce | date=October 5, 2009 | work=Index.hr | language=hr | access-date=January 5, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091008092416/http://www.index.hr/xmag/clanak/predsjednicka-kandidatkinja-marija-strajh-protiv-prostitucije-i-droge-ali-za-homoseksualce/453672.aspx | archive-date=October 8, 2009 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}
• Jurica Tucak was the second person who came before electoral commission without signatures.{{cite web |url=http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2009&mm=11&dd=17&nav_category=167&nav_id=393129 |title=Vesti – Hrvatska: Predato 19 kandidatura |publisher=B92 |language=sr |access-date=2009-12-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091221071658/http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2009&mm=11&dd=17&nav_category=167&nav_id=393129 |archive-date=2009-12-21 |url-status=live }}
• Alka Vuica, a popular singer and songwriter, supported by Green List of Croatia{{cite web | url=http://www.hrt.hr/index.php?id=48&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=52487&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=38&cHash=4d4cb8b852 | title=Alka: Spasimo Hrvatsku od svodnika | date=November 5, 2009 | publisher=Croatian Radiotelevision | language=hr | access-date=2009-11-28 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302221451/http://www.hrt.hr/index.php?id=48 | archive-date=March 2, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }} – received around 8,000 signatures {{cite web |url=http://www.vecernji.hr/lifestyle/zbog-ukradenih-glasova-necu-predati-svoju-kandidaturu-predsjednicu-clanak-51624 |title=Zbog ukradenih glasova neću predati svoju kandidaturu za predsjednicu |work=Večernji list |language=hr |date=2009-11-16 |access-date=2009-12-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091119025620/http://www.vecernji.hr/lifestyle/zbog-ukradenih-glasova-necu-predati-svoju-kandidaturu-predsjednicu-clanak-51624 |archive-date=2009-11-19 |url-status=live }} reporting that 1485 of her signatures were stolen and that she was offered to buy the rest of the missing votes.{{cite web |author=adriaticmedia |url=http://www.net.hr/zvijezde/page/2009/11/16/0706006.html |title=Alki prijevarom oduzeti glasovi – zvijezde |work=Net.hr |language=hr |access-date=2009-12-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120912181500/http://www.net.hr/zvijezde/page/2009/11/16/0706006.html |archive-date=2012-09-12 }} She subsequently withdrew her nomination.
• Božidar Vukasović announced an independent candidacy{{cite web | url = http://www.bozidarvukasovic.eu | title = Božidar Vukasović – Nezavisni predsjednički kandidat – campaign web site | access-date = December 25, 2009 | language = hr | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091217111846/http://www.bozidarvukasovic.eu/ | archive-date = December 17, 2009 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }} running on an anti-corruption platform.{{cite web | url = http://bozidarvukasovic.eu/zato-boidar-vukasovi.html | title = Zašto Božidar Vukasović? | year = 2008 | language = hr | access-date = 2009-07-24 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110619034249/http://bozidarvukasovic.eu/zato-boidar-vukasovi.html | archive-date = 2011-06-19 | url-status = dead }} He announced his withdrawal on 16 November.

The official campaign began on 19 November as the country's electoral commission announced the 12 candidates eligible to run. Andrija Hebrang collected more signatures than any other candidate with over 140,000, Ivo Josipović was second with just under 120,000, Milan Bandić collected around 60,000, Vesna Pusić just under 50,000, while Dragan Primorac and Nadan Vidošević each collected over 30,000 signatures.{{cite web | url=http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/u-utrku-pantovcak-ide-13-predsjednickih-kandidata-clanak-51025 | title=U utrku za Pantovčak ide 13 predsjedničkih kandidata | date=16 November 2009 | work=Večernji list | language=hr | access-date=14 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091119031719/http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/u-utrku-pantovcak-ide-13-predsjednickih-kandidata-clanak-51025 | archive-date=19 November 2009 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} At the beginning of the campaign, most polls showed Josipović with a healthy lead over his opponents.{{cite web | url=http://www.jutarnji.hr/infografika---predizborno-istrazivanje/358708/ | title=Istraživanje | date=25 November 2009 | work=Jutarnji list | language=hr | access-date=14 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091123135312/http://www.jutarnji.hr/infografika---predizborno-istrazivanje/358708/ | archive-date=23 November 2009 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }} Although Hebrang held the second spot in most opinion polls during the summer,{{cite web | url=http://dnevnik.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/sokantni-rezultati-istrazivanja-sdp-potukao-hdz.html#video | title=Nikad veća razlika: SDP 'potukao' HDZ | date=1 August 2009 | work=Nova TV | language=hr | access-date=14 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091208092937/http://dnevnik.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/sokantni-rezultati-istrazivanja-sdp-potukao-hdz.html#video | archive-date=8 December 2009 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} he fell to as low as fifth place by November. He claimed opinion polls have never been kind to his party as most conservative voters refuse to participate in them and expressed conviction that come Election Day he will be the victor.{{cite web | url=http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/hebrang-u-ankete-ne-vjeruje-ni-malo-dijete-clanak-59683 | title=Hebrang: U ankete ne vjeruje ni malo dijete | date=1 December 2009 | work=Večernji list | language=hr | access-date=14 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213165721/http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/hebrang-u-ankete-ne-vjeruje-ni-malo-dijete-clanak-59683 | archive-date=13 December 2009 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} Despite Bandić's indecisiveness, he held second or third place in most polls during autumn. After he officially announced his campaign, most political observers expected him to get a bump in the polls, however that never materialized. After announcing his candidacy he continuously dropped in the polls, but still managed to claim second or third place.{{cite web | url=http://www.jutarnji.hr/vesna-pusic-jaca-je-od-hebranga/405566/ | title=Vesna Pusić jača je od Hebranga | date=14 December 2009 | work=Jutarnji list | language=hr | access-date=14 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091216174310/http://www.jutarnji.hr/vesna-pusic-jaca-je-od-hebranga/405566/ | archive-date=16 December 2009 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} Nadan Vidošević led most polls during 2008 and early 2009, but never managed to take the lead after officially becoming a candidate.{{cite web | url=http://dnevnik.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/nadan-vidosevic-najpozeljniji-za-predsjednika-medzu-kandidatima-i-drazen-budisa.html | title=Nadan Vidošević najpoželjniji za predsjednika, među kandidatima i Dražen Budiša | date=3 September 2008 | work=Nova TV | language=hr | access-date=14 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301010741/http://dnevnik.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/nadan-vidosevic-najpozeljniji-za-predsjednika-medzu-kandidatima-i-drazen-budisa.html | archive-date=1 March 2010 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}

Josipović based his campaign on the slogan 'Justice for Croatia' and kicked off his campaign with a rally in front of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. He attacked the current Croatian government and the prime minister Jadranka Kosor for ignoring the needs of the little man and criticized her for not dealing with corruption.{{cite web | url=http://www.javno.com/hr-hrvatska/foto--josipovic-snazno-zapoceo-sluzbenu-kampanju_282386 | title=Josipović snažno započeo službenu kampanju | date=19 November 2009 | work=Javno.com | language=hr | access-date=14 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100130085022/http://www.javno.com/hr-hrvatska/foto--josipovic-snazno-zapoceo-sluzbenu-kampanju_282386 | archive-date=30 January 2010 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }} Andrija Hebrang started the campaign with patriotic rhetoric with the slogan 'For a proud and European Croatia'.{{cite web | url=http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/hebrang-ovo-je-postala-kampanja-krupnog-kapitala-clanak-66429 | title=Hebrang: Ovo je postala kampanja krupnog kapitala | date=14 December 2009 | work=Večernji list | language=hr | access-date=14 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091218102037/http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/hebrang-ovo-je-postala-kampanja-krupnog-kapitala-clanak-66429 | archive-date=18 December 2009 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} He praised Jadranka Kosor and her policies, mostly criticizing Dragan Primorac and Nadan Vidošević for abandoning their party, calling them deserters and traitors of their party. He argued that he offered Primorac and Vidošević an opportunity to settle the question of who will be their party's nominee for president through a primary challenge stating that they both refused.{{cite web | url=http://www.zadarskilist.hr/clanci/10112009/hebrang-vidosevic-i-primorac-su-dezerteri | title=Hebrang: Vidošević i Primorac su dezerteri | date=10 November 2009 | work=Zadarski list | language=hr | access-date=14 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091118035838/http://www.zadarskilist.hr/clanci/10112009/hebrang-vidosevic-i-primorac-su-dezerteri | archive-date=18 November 2009 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}

File:Ivo Josipović Croatian National Theatre Zagreb.jpg in Zagreb]]

Nadan Vidošević used his knowledge of economic issues to gain popularity during the 2008 financial crisis. He emphasized his business success during the 1990s as well as his post as the president of the Croatian Economic Chamber (CEC).{{cite web | url=http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/vidosevic-najavljuje-kandidaturu-predsjednik-mora-braniti-hrvatsku-na-ekonomskom-planu/448280.aspx | title=Vidošević najavljuje kandidaturu: Predsjednik mora braniti Hrvatsku na ekonomskom planu | date=31 August 2009 | work=Index.hr | language=hr | access-date=15 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904140109/http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/vidosevic-najavljuje-kandidaturu-predsjednik-mora-braniti-hrvatsku-na-ekonomskom-planu/448280.aspx | archive-date=4 September 2009 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} However, the press continuously raised the subject of his estate and property and how was he able to amass such an enormous wealth in a short period of time.{{cite web | url=http://dnevnik.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/vidosevic-uvjerljivo-najbogatiji-predjsednicki-kandidat.html | title=Vidošević uvjerljivo najbogatiji predsjednički kandidat | date=10 September 2009 | work=Nova TV | language=hr | access-date=15 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929103153/http://dnevnik.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/vidosevic-uvjerljivo-najbogatiji-predjsednicki-kandidat.html | archive-date=29 September 2011 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} He usually responded saying that everything he has he built with hard work and smart business moves.{{cite web | url=http://dnevnik.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/vidosevic-ni-lipu-nisam-zaradio-u-privatizaciji.html | title=Vidošević: Ni lipu nisam zaradio u privatizaciji | date=4 October 2009 | work=Nova TV | language=hr | access-date=15 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091209061747/http://dnevnik.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/vidosevic-ni-lipu-nisam-zaradio-u-privatizaciji.html | archive-date=9 December 2009 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} On 9 December Dragan Primorac accused Vidošević of nepotism and criminal, claiming that he employed three of his nephews in the CEC and that his secretary was related to him.{{cite web | url=http://www.monitor.hr/clanci/nadan-vidosevic-u-hgk-i-krasu-zaposlio-tri-necaka/26550/ | title=Nadan Vidošević u HGK i Krašu zaposlio tri nećaka | date=19 November 2009 | work=Monitor.hr | language=hr | access-date=15 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091224001800/http://www.monitor.hr/clanci/nadan-vidosevic-u-hgk-i-krasu-zaposlio-tri-necaka/26550 | archive-date=24 December 2009 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} Vidošević responded by saying he does not need someone who hits women teaching him moral lessons referring to allegations made to Primorac long ago which claimed he beat his former partner.{{cite web | url=http://www.javno.com/iz-minute-u-minutu/clanak.php?id=3050551 | title=Primorac tuži Vidoševića zbog priče da tuče žene! | date=14 December 2009 | work=Monitor.hr | language=hr | access-date=15 December 2009 | archive-date=21 November 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121143107/http://www.javno.com/iz-minute-u-minutu/clanak.php?id=3050551 | url-status=dead }} Primorac accused Vidošević of lying and threatened a lawsuit if he did not apologize to him and his wife.{{cite web | url=http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/rat-bivsih-hdzovaca-primorac-prijeti-vidosevicu-sudskom-tuzbom/465098.aspx | title=Rat bivših HDZ-ovaca: Primorac prijeti Vidoševiću sudskom tužbom | date=14 December 2009 | work=Index.hr | language=hr | access-date=14 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091217075917/http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/rat-bivsih-hdzovaca-primorac-prijeti-vidosevicu-sudskom-tuzbom/465098.aspx | archive-date=17 December 2009 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} During a debate held on 10 December Primorac and Vidošević exchanged insults, Vidošević repeating his allegations and Primorac demanding an apology.{{cite web | url=http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/multimedia/vijesti | title=Sučeljavanje | date=14 December 2009 | work=Nova TV | language=hr | access-date=15 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091227103952/http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/multimedia/vijesti | archive-date=27 December 2009 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }} Finally, on 14 December Primorac announced he will be pressing charges against Vidošević claiming he caused great emotional damage to him and especially his wife. Vidošević responded by saying Primorac would do anything to gain attention saying his campaign was falling apart.

Milan Bandić avoided most debates saying he was a man of work, not of words.{{cite web|url=http://www.nacional.hr/clanak/71835/covjek-iz-naroda-bandic-uvjeren-da-ce-pobijediti-vec-u-prvom-krugu |title=Čovjek iz naroda: Bandić uvjeren da će pobijediti već u prvom krugu |date=20 November 2009 |work=Nacional |language=hr |access-date=15 December 2009 |trans-title=People's person: Bandić confident of first round victory |archive-date=13 June 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613172006/http://www.nacional.hr/clanak/71835/covjek-iz-naroda-bandic-uvjeren-da-ce-pobijediti-vec-u-prvom-krugu }} Most political pundits, however, thought he was afraid of confronting the other candidates as he usually tends to perform badly in debates.{{cite web | url=http://business.hr/hr/Naslovnica/Politika/Zasto-Bandic-izbjegava-suceljavanje | title=Zašto Bandić izbjegava sučeljavanje? | date=11 December 2009 | work=Business.hr | language=hr | access-date=15 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091214022002/http://business.hr/hr/Naslovnica/Politika/Zasto-Bandic-izbjegava-suceljavanje | archive-date=14 December 2009 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }} He based his campaign on the message that he was just one of the people, not an intellectual, but an ordinary hardworking patriot. Vesna Pusić heavily emphasized her gender in the campaign claiming it was time for a woman to make it to Pantovčak.{{cite web | url=http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak.aspx?id=460478 | title=Pusić: Žena drži barem tri ugla kuće, a vrijeme je za veliko pospremanje | date=17 November 2009 | work=Index.hr | language=hr | access-date=15 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016183406/http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak.aspx?id=460478 | archive-date=16 October 2012 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} Most commentators noticed she made the biggest change of image during the campaign out of all candidates claiming she lost her strict appearance of a professor becoming more accessible and open about her personal life.{{cite web | url=http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/andrija_hebrang/usred-kampanje-najveci-preokret-napravili-pusic-i-hebrang.html?&page=3&p_all_items=16 | title=Najveći preokret napravili Pusić i Hebrang | date=13 December 2009 | work=Nova TV | language=hr | access-date=15 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721095958/http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/andrija_hebrang/usred-kampanje-najveci-preokret-napravili-pusic-i-hebrang.html?&page=3&p_all_items=16 | archive-date=21 July 2011 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }} She based her campaign on her liberal and pro-European positions as well as her foreign policy experience.{{cite web | url=http://metro-portal.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/vesna-pusic-o-prednostima-clanstva-u-eu | title=Vesna Pusić o prednostima članstva u EU | date=7 December 2009 | work=Metro-portal.hr | language=hr | access-date=15 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091208153735/http://metro-portal.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/vesna-pusic-o-prednostima-clanstva-u-eu | archive-date=8 December 2009 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}

The presentation of candidates on national television is customarily a contentious issue, with minor candidates complaining of lack of coverage and the major candidates complaining about dilution of campaign on fringe issues. Croatian Radiotelevision, as the public television operator, is legally obliged to give each candidate equal airtime, and they all got a half-hour interview in the late prime-time political show "Otvoreno".{{cite web | url=http://predsjednicki-izbori.com/izdvojeno/zavrsno-suceljavanje-na-novoj-tv/ | title=Prvo "Nedjeljom u 2", pa se predomislili u korist "Otvorenog" | date=December 4, 2009 | language=hr | work=Novi list | access-date=December 16, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091214110005/http://predsjednicki-izbori.com/izdvojeno/zavrsno-suceljavanje-na-novoj-tv/ | archive-date=December 14, 2009 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} There were three televised debates held in the first round.{{cite web | url=http://business.hr/hr/Naslovnica/Politika/Nova-TV-pobijedila-HTV-u-borbi-za-suceljavanje-predsjednickih-kandidata | title=Nova TV pobijedila HTV u borbi za sučeljavanje predsjedničkih kandidata | date=19 November 2009 | work=Business.hr | language=hr | access-date=15 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227033757/http://business.hr/hr/Naslovnica/Politika/Nova-TV-pobijedila-HTV-u-borbi-za-suceljavanje-predsjednickih-kandidata | archive-date=27 February 2012 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }} The first was held on 20 November on HRT with 10 candidates present.{{cite web | url=http://www.ezadar.hr/clanak/prvo-suceljavanje-predsjednickih-kandidata-u-svadalackom-tonu | title=Prvo sučeljavanje predsjedničkih kandidata u svađalačkom tonu | date=21 November 2009 | work=Ezadar.hr | language=hr | access-date=15 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091227011451/http://www.ezadar.hr/clanak/prvo-suceljavanje-predsjednickih-kandidata-u-svadalackom-tonu | archive-date=27 December 2009 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} Andrija Hebrang and Boris Mikšić refused to attend claiming they were discriminated on all national television networks.{{cite web | url=http://www.novilist.hr/Izbori/hebrang-optuzuje-htv-za--BBkroje.aspx | title=Hebrang optužuje HTV za "krojenje drugog kruga" | date=21 November 2009 | work=Novi list | language=hr | access-date=15 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091128023341/http://www.novilist.hr/Izbori/hebrang-optuzuje-htv-za--BBkroje.aspx | archive-date=28 November 2009 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }} The second was held on 10 December on Nova TV hosted by Mislav Bago. Five candidates that were ahead in the polls were present, Ivo Josipović, Nadan Vidošević, Andrija Hebrang, Dragan Primorac and Vesna Pusić. Milan Bandić refused to attend.{{cite web | url=http://videoteka.novatv.hr/multimedia/predsjednicka-utrka-prvo-suceljavanje-cijela-emisija.html | title=Predsjednička utrka – Prvo sučeljavanje | date=10 December 2009 | work=Nova TV | language=hr | access-date=15 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215010804/http://videoteka.novatv.hr/multimedia/predsjednicka-utrka-prvo-suceljavanje-cijela-emisija.html | archive-date=15 December 2009 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} The main topics were the fight against corruption, the economy and the European Union. A poll conducted after the debate showed Vesna Pusić won the debate with 30% of those polled responding she did best, with Ivo Josipović coming in second with 26%. The poll also showed Ivo Josipović was the most specific in his answers with Vesna Pusić following closely. The audience considered Nadan Vidošević the most likable and Andrija Hebrang the most entertaining.{{cite web | url=http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/vijesti/analiza.html | title=Sučeljavanje: Vesna Pusić ostavila je najbolji dojam | date=12 December 2009 | work=Nova TV | language=hr | access-date=15 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215011740/http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/vijesti/analiza.html | archive-date=15 December 2009 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }} The final debate was once again held on HRT on 22 December and was the only one with all 12 candidates present. The main topics of discussion were campaign spending, corruption and the suggestion of removing political immunity.{{cite web | url=http://predsjednicki-izbori.com/tag/josip-jurcevic/ | title=Kandidati za predsjednika: održano posljednje sučeljavanje | date=23 December 2009 | work=Predsjednicki-izbori.com | language=hr | access-date=24 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215032106/http://predsjednicki-izbori.com/tag/josip-jurcevic/ | archive-date=15 December 2009 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} There were four debates planned with the final one to be held on Nova TV on 23 December with six major candidates to be present. However, the six candidates behind in the polls objected saying they were discriminated by Nova TV, particularly Josip Jurčević who threatened to sue the television station and filed a complaint against it to the country's electoral commission.{{cite web | url=http://www.javno.com/hr-hrvatska/jurcevic-trazi-ukidanje-koncesije-novoj-tv_285163 | title=Jurčević traži ukidanje koncesije Novoj TV | date=7 December 2009 | work=Javno.com | language=hr | access-date=24 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091212131335/http://www.javno.com/hr-hrvatska/jurcevic-trazi-ukidanje-koncesije-novoj-tv_285163 | archive-date=12 December 2009 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} Finally, Nova TV canceled the scheduled debate and called for the change of Croatia's laws concerning media coverage of presidential campaigns.{{cite web | url=http://predsjednicki-izbori.com/vijesti/nova-tv-prisiljena-otkazati-emisiju-predsjednicka-utrka/ | title=Nova TV prisiljena otkazati emisiju 'Predsjednička utrka' | date=18 December 2009 | work=Predsjednicki-izbori.com | language=hr | access-date=24 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009134146/http://predsjednicki-izbori.com/vijesti/nova-tv-prisiljena-otkazati-emisiju-predsjednicka-utrka/ | archive-date=9 October 2011 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}

• Milan Bandić
• Croatian Democratic Alliance of Slavonia and Baranja (HDSSB){{cite web | url = http://izbori.tportal.hr/kandidati/43735/Bandic-dobio-potporu-Glavaseva-HDSSB-a.html | title = Ništa osobno samo ideologija – Bandić dobio potporu Glavaševa HDSSB-a | work = T-portal | language = hr | date = November 16, 2009 | access-date = November 17, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091119034145/http://izbori.tportal.hr/kandidati/43735/Bandic-dobio-potporu-Glavaseva-HDSSB-a.html | archive-date = November 19, 2009 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}
• List of known athletes and people from show business including: Iva Majoli, Sanja Jovanović, Vlado Šola, Rade Šerbedžija, Boris Novković and Mia Begović {{cite web |url=http://www.milanbandic.com/podrska-kulturnih-djelatnika-milanu-bandicu.html |title=Podrška kulturnih djelatnika Milanu Bandiću |language=hr |publisher=Milanbandic.com |access-date=2009-12-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091226023234/http://www.milanbandic.com/podrska-kulturnih-djelatnika-milanu-bandicu.html |archive-date=2009-12-26 |url-status=live }}
• Ivo Josipović
• Josip Kregar, independent member of Zagreb city assembly and former candidate for Mayor of Zagreb{{cite web |date=16 November 2009 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGKIVDWcuJQ |title=Josip Kregar podržava Ivu Josipovića |language=hr |publisher=Josipovic.net on YouTube |access-date=2009-12-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125115721/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGKIVDWcuJQ |archive-date=25 January 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}
• Ankica Lepej, Croatian most notable and first known "whistleblower"{{cite video |date=31 October 2009 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfPvsGnlS2M |title=Ankica Lepej podržava Ivu Josipovića |publisher=Josipovic.net on YouTube |language=hr |access-date=2009-12-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125115721/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfPvsGnlS2M |archive-date=25 January 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}
• List of various public figures and intellectuals, including: Josipa Lisac, Goran Bare, Kemal Monteno, Vesna Teršelič, Marijan Ban, The Beat Fleet, Nikša Bratoš and Damir Urban{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/ivojosipovic#p/u |title=Ivo Josipovic channel |language=hr |publisher=Josipovic.net on YouTube |date=2009-09-23 |access-date=2009-12-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091023050347/http://www.youtube.com/ivojosipovic#p/u |archive-date=2009-10-23 |url-status=live }}
• Emma Bonino{{cite web|url=http://josipovic.net/ostalo/poruka-nade-emme-bonino/ |title=Poruka nade Emme Bonino |work=Josipovic.net |date=December 21, 2009 |language=hr |access-date=2010-01-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819031213/http://josipovic.net/ostalo/poruka-nade-emme-bonino/ |archive-date=August 19, 2011 }}
• Vesna Pusić
• Slavko Goldstein, prominent Croatian-Jewish intellectual and publisher{{cite web | url=http://www.jutarnji.hr/zasto-cu-glasati-za-vesnu-pusic---/425369/ | title=Zašto ću glasati za Vesnu Pusić | work=Jutarnji list | last=Goldstein | first=Slavko | date=December 24, 2009 | language=hr | access-date=2010-01-10 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091227024224/http://www.jutarnji.hr/zasto-cu-glasati-za-vesnu-pusic---/425369 | archive-date=December 27, 2009 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}
• Columnists and journalists: Boris Pavelić (Novi list),{{cite web | url=http://www.novilist.hr/2009/12/27/glas-za-vesnu-pusic.aspx | title=Glas za Vesnu Pusić | work=Novi list | last=Pavelić | first=Boris | date=December 24, 2009 | language=hr | access-date=2010-01-16 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Miljenko Jergović (writer and Jutarnji list columnist),{{cite web | url=http://www.jutarnji.hr/naravno--glasat-cu-za-vesnu-pusic/420788/ | title=Naravno, glasat ću za Vesnu Pusić | work=Jutarnji list | date=December 21, 2009 | last=Jergović | first=Miljenko | author-link=Miljenko Jergović | language=hr | access-date=2010-01-10 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091225111631/http://www.jutarnji.hr/naravno--glasat-cu-za-vesnu-pusic/420788 | archive-date=December 25, 2009 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} Tomislav Klauški (Index.hr journalist){{cite web | url=http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/unaprijed-gubitnica-vesna-pusic-pokazala-da-je-najbolja-kandidatkinja/466302.aspx | title=Unaprijed gubitnica: Vesna Pusić pokazala da je najbolja kandidatkinja | work=Index.hr | last=Klauški | first=Tomislav | date=December 21, 2009 | language=hr | access-date=2010-01-06 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091224073235/http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/unaprijed-gubitnica-vesna-pusic-pokazala-da-je-najbolja-kandidatkinja/466302.aspx | archive-date=December 24, 2009 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}
• European liberals: Emil Kirjas,{{cite video | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K-Swds9yQk& | title=ELDR – Podrška | format=Adobe Flash | access-date=2010-01-06 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125115721/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K-Swds9yQk& | archive-date=2016-01-25 | url-status=live }} Roman Jakič (Zares MEP),{{cite video | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgSr-EqZAjo | title=ELDR – Podrška | format=Adobe Flash | access-date=2010-01-06 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125115721/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgSr-EqZAjo | archive-date=2016-01-25 | url-status=live }} Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck
• Be Active, Be Emancipated (B.a.B.e.), Croatian feminist and human rights organization{{cite web |url=http://www.predsjednica.com/clanak.php?id=139048 |title=B.a.B.e. podržale predsjedničku kandidaturu Vesne Pusić |work=Predsjednica.com |language=hr |date=November 25, 2009 |access-date=2010-01-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715111843/http://www.predsjednica.com/clanak.php?id=139048 |archive-date=July 15, 2011 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}
• Greens of Croatia{{cite web |url=http://www.predsjednica.com/clanak.php?id=139011 |title=Zeleni Hrvatske podržali Vesnu Pusić |work=Predsjednica.com |language=hr |date=November 10, 2009 |access-date=2010-01-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715111849/http://www.predsjednica.com/clanak.php?id=139011 |archive-date=July 15, 2011 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}
• Dragan Primorac
• Croatian Party of Rights (HSP),{{cite web | url = http://www.seebiz.eu/hr/politika/hsp-na-kraju-ipak-za-dragana-primorca!%3F,61376.html | title = Potpora – HSP na kraju ipak za Dragana Primorca!? | work = SEEbiz / Jutarnji list | language = hr | date = November 18, 2009 | access-date = November 28, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091119213207/http://seebiz.eu/hr/politika/hsp-na-kraju-ipak-za-dragana-primorca!%3F,61376.html | archive-date = November 19, 2009 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }} Professors Pavle Rudan, Stipan Janković, Igor Čatić, singer Tereza Kesovija, famous Olympic athletes: Franjo Arapović, Veljko Mršić, Zoran Primorac, Nikolaj Pešalov, foodball player Joško Jeličić, Israeli artist Moti Giladi, former Israeli minister of science Eliezer Sandberg,
• Vesna Škare-Ožbolt
• Democratic Centre (DC){{cite web | url = http://www.vesna.com.hr/index.php?p=11&s=28 | title = Vesna Škare Ožbolt zamrzava svoj status u DC-u | language = hr | date = September 3, 2009 | work = Vesna.com.hr | access-date = December 31, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110721100153/http://www.vesna.com.hr/index.php?p=11&s=28 | archive-date = July 21, 2011 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}
• Nadan Vidošević
• Alliance of Primorje-Gorski Kotar (PGS){{cite web | url = http://www.net.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/page/2009/11/17/0361006.html?pos=n1 | title = Hrvatski George Clooney – Riječanke o Vidoševiću: Još je ljepši nego na TV-u | date = November 17, 2009 | work = Net.hr/Večernji list | language = hr | access-date = November 17, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110722164319/http://www.net.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/page/2009/11/17/0361006.html?pos=n1 | archive-date = July 22, 2011 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}
• Miroslav Tuđman
• Zdravko Tomac{{cite video | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9IBlJGZdEI | title=Zaokruži broj 10! | format=Adobe Flash | language=hr | access-date=2010-01-06 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125115721/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9IBlJGZdEI | archive-date=2016-01-25 | url-status=live }}
• Marko Perković Thompson
• Venio Losert{{cite web | url=http://www.miroslav-tudjman.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=526:venio-losert-kada-domovina-zove-srce-samo-dade-odgovor&catid=45:obnovimo-zajedno&Itemid=144 | title=Venio Losert - Kada Domovina zove srce samo dade odgovor | work=miroslav-tudjman.com | language=hr | access-date=2010-01-16 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231191428/http://www.miroslav-tudjman.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=526:venio-losert-kada-domovina-zove-srce-samo-dade-odgovor&catid=45:obnovimo-zajedno&Itemid=144 | archive-date=2009-12-31 | url-status=usurped }}
• List of academics and colleagues including: Jelena Perčin,{{cite web | url=http://www.jutarnji.hr/jelena-percin-i-thompson-stali-uz-miroslava-tudmana/418366/ | title=Jelena Perčin i Thompson stali uz Miroslava Tuđmana | date=21 December 2009 | work=Jutarnji list | language=hr | access-date=30 July 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230235032/http://www.jutarnji.hr/jelena-percin-i-thompson-stali-uz-miroslava-tudmana/418366/ | archive-date=30 December 2010 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} Dubravko Jelčić, Slavica Dodig, Ksenija Komadina, Josip Pečarić{{cite web | url = http://www.miroslav-tudjman.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=180:zato-tuman&catid=34:novosti&Itemid=142 | title = Akademik Josip Pečarić - Zašto Tuđman? | work = miroslav-tudjman.com | language = hr | date = September 2009 | access-date = January 18, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100111010032/http://www.miroslav-tudjman.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=180:zato-tuman&catid=34:novosti&Itemid=142 | archive-date = January 11, 2010 | url-status = usurped | df = mdy-all }}
• Hrvoje Hitrec{{cite web | url=http://www.miroslav-tudjman.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=527:hrvoje-hitrec-sueljavanje-s-manipulacijom&catid=34:novosti&Itemid=142 | title=Hrvoje Hitrec – Sučeljavanje s manipulacijom | last=Hitrec | first=Hrvoje | author-link=Hrvoje Hitrec | work=miroslav-tudjman.com | language=hr | access-date=2010-01-10 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111010050/http://www.miroslav-tudjman.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=527:hrvoje-hitrec-sueljavanje-s-manipulacijom&catid=34:novosti&Itemid=142 | archive-date=2010-01-11 | url-status=usurped }}

By Croatian law all presidential candidates are required to publicly disclose the amount they have raised and spent throughout the official campaign. They submit it through a standardized form to the State Election Committee ({{langx|hr|Državno izborno povjerenstvo}}, DIP).

The first set of statistics were reported by the candidates before the final week of the campaign. The final amounts were reported to the DIP with the final deadline of January 25, 2010, and have been reported in Narodne novine.

In addition to the input statistics, Croatian NGOs GONG and Transparency International Croatia have decided to hire a media analysis agency which calculated the amount of money that was necessarily spent on advertising on television, radio and print media. They point out that this is only the observable media spending, while they estimate actual cost to be in excess of twice the amount spent on the media.

All numbers apart from votes are in Croatian kunas.

Immediately after the official results were published shortly after midnight 28 December and it was clear the two candidates to face in a runoff would be Josipović and Bandić all the major candidates gave their speeches. Josipović called for voters to vote for the light, not for the dark,{{cite web | url = http://www.rtl.hr/josipovic-ja-sam-svjetlo-bandic-tama-video-5322 | title = Josipović: Ja sam svjetlo, Bandić tama | work = RTL Televizija | date = December 28, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = December 30, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091230011347/http://www.rtl.hr/josipovic-ja-sam-svjetlo-bandic-tama-video-5322 | archive-date = December 30, 2009 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} while Bandić insulted Josipović saying he was a pawn of Zoran Milanović and nothing more than his remote-control.{{cite web | url = http://www.rtl.hr/bandic-josipovica-stvorili-u-laboratoriju-video-5321 | title = Bandić: Josipovića stvorili u laboratoriju! | work = RTL Televizija | date = December 28, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = December 30, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091230011548/http://www.rtl.hr/bandic-josipovica-stvorili-u-laboratoriju-video-5321 | archive-date = December 30, 2009 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} The following morning the official campaign for the second round began. Josipović denied being an SDP project calling himself independent and accusing Bandić of being a remote-control of Ivo Sanader,{{cite web | url = http://www.javno.com/hr-hrvatska/bandic-je-sanaderov-daljinski-upravljac_287871 | title = Josipović: Bandić je Sanaderov daljinski upravljač | work = javno.com | date = December 28, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = December 30, 2009 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130127005946/http://www.javno.com/hr-hrvatska/bandic-je-sanaderov-daljinski-upravljac_287871 | archive-date = January 27, 2013 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} referring among other things to claims by Dragan Primorac that Bandić was the favorite of the former prime minister.{{cite web | url = http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/dragan_primorac/primorac-sanader-se-vraca-u-politiku-preko-bandica.html?&page=2&p_all_items=11 | title = Primorac: Sanader se vraća u politiku preko Bandića | work = Nova TV | date = December 12, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = December 30, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110721100635/http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/dragan_primorac/primorac-sanader-se-vraca-u-politiku-preko-bandica.html?&page=2&p_all_items=11 | archive-date = July 21, 2011 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }} Bandić denied the rumors, however the following day the media published a story claiming that Bandić and Sanader had a secret lunch that very day in a Zagreb restaurant. Bandić denied the rumors calling the journalists who published the story liars, saying the media's favorite is Josipović and that they would do anything to discredit him.{{cite web | url = http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/tajni-rucak-s-odbjeglim-premijerom-bandic-i-sanader-sastali-se-u-restoranu-kamanjo/467553.aspx | title = Tajni ručak s odbjeglim premijerom: Bandić i Sanader sastali se u restoranu Kamanjo! | language = hr | publisher = Index.hr | date = December 29, 2009 | access-date = December 30, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091231181052/http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/tajni-rucak-s-odbjeglim-premijerom-bandic-i-sanader-sastali-se-u-restoranu-kamanjo/467553.aspx | archive-date = December 31, 2009 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}

On Monday 28 December, the first day of the runoff campaign, the incumbent president Stjepan Mesić indicated that he supports Ivo Josipović to be his successor. He praised his manifesto and said Croatia needs a president working actively against corruption and for justice.{{cite web | url=http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/predsjednik-mesic-rukavicama-podrzao-ivu-josipovica-clanak-72774 | title=Predsjednik Mesić u rukavicama podržao Ivu Josipovića | publisher=Večernji List | date=December 28, 2009 | access-date=December 30, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231021348/http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/predsjednik-mesic-rukavicama-podrzao-ivu-josipovica-clanak-72774 | archive-date=December 31, 2009 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} He also insulted Milan Bandić saying it was impossible he only spent 3 million kuna for the campaign saying he knows how much a campaign costs. He pleaded for more transparency and called on him to release the names of those who were really financing his campaign. Bandić responded by saying that Mesić hasn't released the names of his donors to this day and that he was a part of both of his campaigns so he knows how nontransparent they were.{{cite web | url=http://www.ipress.hr/hrvatska/bandic-prozvao-mesica-i-pozvao-ga-da-objavi-donatore-od-prije-10-godina-1469.html | title=Bandić prozvao Mesića i pozvao ga da objavi donatore od prije 10 godina | publisher=ipress.hr | date=December 28, 2009 | access-date=December 30, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091230010520/http://www.ipress.hr/hrvatska/bandic-prozvao-mesica-i-pozvao-ga-da-objavi-donatore-od-prije-10-godina-1469.html | archive-date=December 30, 2009 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} Mesić called Bandić a liar saying he was the only one in those days to release the name of every single person who contributed to his victory. He said his campaign reports were published, on Croatian, not English, clearly referring to the fact that Bandić couldn't speak proper English.{{cite web | url=http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/mesic-bandic-laze-bandic-mesic-je-malo-ostario-je-zaboravio-clanak-73129 | title=Mesić: Bandić laže; Bandić: Mesić je malo ostario, pa je zaboravio | publisher=Večernji List | date=December 29, 2009 | access-date=December 30, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231154903/http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/mesic-bandic-laze-bandic-mesic-je-malo-ostario-je-zaboravio-clanak-73129 | archive-date=December 31, 2009 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} He also suggested there could be one debate held entirely in English, mocking Bandić since he previously claimed he speaks the language.{{cite web | url=http://www.net.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/page/2009/12/28/0692006.html | title=Mogli bi održati raspravu kandidata na engleskom | publisher=Net.hr | date=December 28, 2009 | access-date=December 30, 2009 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120905175059/http://www.net.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/page/2009/12/28/0692006.html | archive-date=September 5, 2012 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }} Bandić responded saying he would be glad to attend that debate only if Mesić was moderating it, referring to the fact that the president himself was also not an English speaker. He also called the president an 'old man' saying it was only natural he forgot about the help he provided him during his two campaigns.{{cite web | url=http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/milan_bandic/mesic-revizija-donacija-je-dostupna-i-to-na-hrvatskom.html | title=Mesić Bandiću: Lažeš; Bandić Mesiću: Ostario si | publisher=Nova TV | date=December 29, 2009 | access-date=December 30, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721100646/http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/milan_bandic/mesic-revizija-donacija-je-dostupna-i-to-na-hrvatskom.html | archive-date=July 21, 2011 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}

File:Josipovic volunteers.jpg

On 29 December Josipović gave a speech on an SDP convention held in Rijeka where he said that with the following presidential election the political map of Croatia would change forever and that by the next parliamentary election Croatia would be colored red, referring to his party's official colour being red.{{cite web|url=http://www.nacional.hr/clanak/74672/josipovic-sdp-ovom-pobjedom-cemo-zacrveniti-cijelu-hrvatsku |title=Josipović: SDP-ovom pobjedom ćemo zacrveniti cijelu Hrvatsku |trans-title=Josipović: SDP's victory will turn the entire Croatia red |work=Nacional |date=30 December 2009 |access-date=23 July 2012 |archive-date=24 March 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324210420/http://www.nacional.hr/clanak/74672/josipovic-sdp-ovom-pobjedom-cemo-zacrveniti-cijelu-hrvatsku }} Bandić did not waste time and the next day attacked Josipović arguing that the next president should not be biased once again repeating his claim that Josipović is nothing more than a pawn of Zoran Milanović who would work in his benefit if he should win.{{cite web | url=http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/milan_bandic/bandic-opet-prozvao-josipovica-sutra-cu-podastrijeti-dokumentaciju.html?&page=6&p_all_items=29 | title=Bandić opet prozvao Josipovića: 'Sutra ću dokazati' | publisher=Nova TV | date=January 2, 2010 | access-date=January 3, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721100736/http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/milan_bandic/bandic-opet-prozvao-josipovica-sutra-cu-podastrijeti-dokumentaciju.html?&page=6&p_all_items=29 | archive-date=July 21, 2011 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }} The prime minister Jadranka Kosor also criticized Josipović's remarks as unfitting.{{cite web | url=http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/kosor-hrvatska-se-nece-zacrvenjeti.html | title=Kosor: Hrvatska se neće zacrvenjeti! | publisher=Nova TV | date=December 31, 2009 | access-date=January 3, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721100803/http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/kosor-hrvatska-se-nece-zacrvenjeti.html | archive-date=July 21, 2011 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}

The first two second-round debates were held on the same evening, 30 December, the first on HRT starting a couple of minutes after 8 p.m., and the second on Nova TV starting a couple of minutes before 10 p.m. During the debates Josipović emphasized his untarnished political career as well as his knowledge of the law and the Constitution. He defended himself from attacks made by Bandić earlier in the week that he was one of those responsible for writing criminal indictments against Croatia's generals during the war, denouncing the claims as flat-out lies, saying that he offered legal aid to captured Croatian soldiers during the war.{{cite web | url=http://www.hrt.hr/index.php?id=275&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=58189&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=274&cHash=0f9eb1b778 | title=Josipović i Bandić – Tko je na čijem "daljinskom"? | publisher=HRT | date=December 30, 2009 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

The most direct attack by Bandić on Josipović came at the very end of the first debate when he accused him of damaging the city of Zagreb in 1998 by allegedly abusing his position as the head of the oversight board of a savings bank Zlatica{{cite web | url=http://www.jutarnji.hr/bandic--josipovic-je-gurnuo-ruku-u-dzep-moje-punice-i-drugih-siromaha/447524/ | title=Bandić: Josipović je gurnuo ruku u džep moje punice i drugih siromaha | publisher=Jutarnji list | date=January 2, 2010 | access-date=January 3, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105020832/http://www.jutarnji.hr/bandic--josipovic-je-gurnuo-ruku-u-dzep-moje-punice-i-drugih-siromaha/447524 | archive-date=January 5, 2010 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} to make a series of financial maneuvers that enabled him to collect his deposit of 138,000 Deutsche Marks from the bank Komercijalna banka that had been blocked and later went bankrupt. Bandić cited a court ruling from 2006 that had invalidated those maneuvers.{{cite web | url = http://www.net.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/page/2010/01/05/0071006.html | title = Oštra završnica – Bandić Zlaticom 'kopa jamu' Josipoviću | language = hr | work = Net.hr | date = January 5, 2010 | access-date = January 7, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111001024414/http://www.net.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/page/2010/01/05/0071006.html | archive-date = October 1, 2011 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} Josipović defended himself saying that was merely a civil case which he was not even a part of and that he did not commit any illegal actions.{{cite web | url=http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/ivo_josipovic/josipovic-bandic-nudi-blato-iz-kojeg-je-izasla-batina-za-radzenovica.html | title=Bandić priča o moralu, a razveo se zbog dva stana | publisher=Nova TV | date=January 2, 2009 | access-date=January 3, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721100820/http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/ivo_josipovic/josipovic-bandic-nudi-blato-iz-kojeg-je-izasla-batina-za-radzenovica.html | archive-date=July 21, 2011 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }} Josipović also had to defend his damaging quotation that Croatia would be coloured red by the next election, saying that it was only natural for a political party to be ambitious saying he does not consider the remarks to be unfitting repeating once again that, if elected, he would be the president of all citizens.{{cite web | url=http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/vijesti/josipovic-ocito-nema-kapaciteta-dobiti-izbore.html | title=Na sučeljavanju i Bandić i Josipović otkrili slabosti | publisher=Nova TV | date=December 31, 2009 | access-date=January 3, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721101019/http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/vijesti/josipovic-ocito-nema-kapaciteta-dobiti-izbore.html | archive-date=July 21, 2011 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}

The issue of whom Ivo Sanader supports unexpectedly escalated when Sanader announced he was returning to active politics at a Sunday, January 3 press conference,{{cite web | url=http://www.slobodnadalmacija.hr/Hrvatska/tabid/66/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/85943/Default.aspx | title=Sanader: Vraćam se, HDZ je loše vođen; Kosorica šuti, Bebić uz Ivu | publisher=Slobodna Dalmacija | date=January 3, 2010 | access-date=January 5, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404132053/http://www.slobodnadalmacija.hr/Hrvatska/tabid/66/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/85943/Default.aspx | archive-date=April 4, 2012 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} which resulted in a blitz uproar among the coalition partners, and subsequently his ejection from the HDZ party. President Mesić attacked Bandić saying the former prime minister returned to support him, trying to once again link Bandić to the most unpopular politician in the country.{{cite web | url=http://www.tportal.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/49999/Sanader-povratkom-pomaze-Bandicu.html | title=Sanader povratkom pomaže Bandiću | publisher=T-portal.hr | date=January 3, 2010 | access-date=January 5, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610231059/http://www.tportal.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/49999/Sanader-povratkom-pomaze-Bandicu.html | archive-date=June 10, 2011 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} Bandić denied such claims calling them lies and distractions and once again accused Josipović of being a pawn of Zoran Milanović.{{cite web|url=http://www.nacional.hr/clanak/75031/bandic-nikada-ne-bi-postupio-kao-sanader-josipovic-povratak-zbog-bandica |title=Bandić: Nikada ne bi postupio kao Sanader; Josipović: Povratak zbog Bandića |trans-title=Bandić: I would never follow example of Sanader; Josipović: Returning because of Bandić |publisher=Nacional |date=4 January 2010 |author=Martina Čizmić |access-date=23 July 2012 |archive-date=24 March 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324210427/http://www.nacional.hr/clanak/75031/bandic-nikada-ne-bi-postupio-kao-sanader-josipovic-povratak-zbog-bandica }} At the same time, Bandić's ally Željko Kerum publicly stated that Ivo Sanader would be an "ideal president",{{cite web | url = http://www.net.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/page/2010/01/01/0213006.html | title = A Bandić?! – Kerum: Sanader bi bio idealan predsjednik | work = Net.hr | date = January 1, 2010 | language = hr | access-date = January 7, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111001024406/http://www.net.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/page/2010/01/01/0213006.html | archive-date = October 1, 2011 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} but afterwards he backtracked somewhat, while repeating his well-known attitude on how the media is biased against him and Bandić.{{cite web | url = http://www.slobodnadalmacija.hr/Split/tabid/72/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/86221/Default.aspx | work = Slobodna Dalmacija | language = hr | title = Kerum: Ne dolazi u obzir da Sanadera primim u moju stranku; HNK Bandić dobio besplatno od gradonačelnika | date = January 5, 2010 | access-date = January 7, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120404132214/http://www.slobodnadalmacija.hr/Split/tabid/72/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/86221/Default.aspx | archive-date = April 4, 2012 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}

Milan Bandić heavily used religion as an issue in the campaign, calculating that Josipović's agnosticism would be a turn-off for a largely Catholic country as Croatia. He constantly repeated the only one he fears is God and that he was raised as a true believer and a humble Christian, also making claims that he has the support of the Catholic Church.{{cite web | url=http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak.aspx?id=468595 | title=Milan Bandić: Imam podršku Katoličke crkve! | publisher=Index.hr | date=January 5, 2010 | access-date=January 5, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017003831/http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak.aspx?id=468595 | archive-date=October 17, 2012 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} Josipović largely ignored Bandić's attempts saying he would be the president of all Croatians no matter their religious beliefs. The incumbent president Stjepan Mesić was elected twice despite his atheism.{{cite web|url=http://www.nacional.hr/clanak/55298/zivot-bez-boga-i-vraga-u-katolickoj-hrvatskoj |title=Život bez Boga i vraga u katoličkoj Hrvatskoj |trans-title=Life without the God or the Devil in Catholic Croatia |publisher=Nacional |date=24 March 2009 |author=Robert Bajruši |language=hr |access-date=23 July 2012 |archive-date=19 January 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119122456/http://www.nacional.hr/clanak/55298/zivot-bez-boga-i-vraga-u-katolickoj-hrvatskoj }} However, the Bandić campaign used all tactics to force the issue, even distributing fliers in front of churches after the Sunday mass across the country urging believers to choose between the cross and a red star, referencing communism.{{cite web | url=http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak.aspx?id=468339 | title=Maloljetnici nakon mise u Petrinji dijele letke na kojima blate Josipovića i uzdižu Bandića | publisher=Index.hr | date=January 4, 2010 | access-date=January 5, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110025401/http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak.aspx?id=468339 | archive-date=January 10, 2010 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}

File:Milan bandić poster.JPG

Eventually, Josipović responded to the other side's discrediting tactics based on religion as well as the savings fund affair by raising the issue of how Bandić had divorced his wife in 1996 and because of that managed to buy out another apartment from the government with a discount,{{cite web | url = http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak.aspx?id=248861 | title = Bandić se 1996. razveo zbog otkupa stana? | language = hr | work = Index.hr | date = February 10, 2005 | access-date = January 7, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090602233259/http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak.aspx?id=248861 | archive-date = June 2, 2009 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} claiming Bandić violated the most sacred sacrament of marriage with the intent of making profit.{{cite web | url=http://www.net.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/page/2010/01/02/0058006.html | title=Bandić se razveo da bi mogao otkupiti stanove | publisher=Net.hr | date=January 2, 2010 | access-date=January 5, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001024335/http://www.net.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/page/2010/01/02/0058006.html | archive-date=October 1, 2011 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }} Bandić responded in outrage saying he went through great emotional pain during his divorce saying Josipović was not a man unless he apologized.{{cite web | url=http://www.tportal.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/50110/Mercep-napao-Josipoviceve-branitelje.html | title=Uvrijedio mi je suprugu | publisher=T-portal.hr | date=January 4, 2010 | access-date=January 4, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610230902/http://www.tportal.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/50110/Mercep-napao-Josipoviceve-branitelje.html | archive-date=June 10, 2011 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}

On 3 January the third debate took place, hosted by RTL Televizija. The main topics were the return of former prime minister Ivo Sanader to the political scene, the economy, taxes and foreign relations, especially with Slovenia. Bandić once again repeated he was a man of work who would do anything for the people, while Josipović demonstrated his knowledge of law and foreign policy.{{cite web | url=http://www.rtl.hr/rtl-duel-video-5399 | title=RTL duel | publisher=RTL Televizija | date=January 3, 2010 | access-date=January 4, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106022438/http://www.rtl.hr/rtl-duel-video-5399 | archive-date=January 6, 2010 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} On the next day, the results of a second set of election polls were published, showing Bandić made some gains, but Josipović's support was mostly unchanged.

The Josipović campaign released a list of 20 Croatian generals who allegedly supported him in the second round.{{cite web |url=http://www.javno.com/hr-hrvatska/ademi-blaskic-i-kotromanovic-podrzali-josipovica_288155 |title=Ademi, Blaškić i Kotromanović podržali Josipovića |work=Javno.hr |language=hr |date=December 30, 2009 |access-date=2009-12-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100122204816/http://www.javno.com/hr-hrvatska/ademi-blaskic-i-kotromanovic-podrzali-josipovica_288155 |archive-date=January 22, 2010 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }} This endorsement was subsequently used in campaign advertisements by Josipović. One of these generals, Nojko Marinović, denied any participation in the endorsement, calling it a "coarse manipulation".{{cite web | url = http://www.slobodnadalmacija.hr/Hrvatska/tabid/66/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/86458/Default.aspx | title = Umirovljeni general Marinović: Nisam za Josipovića, moj kandidat je bio Tuđman | work = Slobodna Dalmacija | language = hr | date = January 6, 2010 | access-date = 2010-01-06 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120404132200/http://www.slobodnadalmacija.hr/Hrvatska/tabid/66/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/86458/Default.aspx | archive-date = April 4, 2012 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}

Petar Janjić-Tromblon was also listed and he released a statement denying his support, saying he "doesn't want to be part of their games".{{cite web | url = http://www.javno.com/hr-hrvatska/janjic-tromblon--nisam-dao-potporu-josipovicu_288254 | title = Demantij branitelja – Janjić-Tromblon: Nisam dao potporu Josipoviću | work = Javno.com | date = December 31, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = January 7, 2010 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130126163901/http://www.javno.com/hr-hrvatska/janjic-tromblon--nisam-dao-potporu-josipovicu_288254 | archive-date = January 26, 2013 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} The name of Tihomir Blaškić was also floated in the media in this context. Josipović was confronted about it during the third debate, and he claimed that the disavowals were made because of peer pressure.

The Bandić campaign also released their own list of associations of Croatian defenders who allegedly supported him in the second round, including the Association of the 105th Brigade of the Croatian National Guard, but the war-time commander of the 105th Brigade of the Croatian Army Stjepan Ivanić came forward to state that their association was both named and listed wrongly and said that their members were "appalled by the disinformation".{{cite web | url = http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/udruga-105-brigade-trazimo-demantij-bandica-clanak-76100 | title = Udruga 105. brigade: Tražimo demantij od Bandića | language = hr | work = Večernji list | date = January 7, 2010 | access-date = January 7, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100110052438/http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/udruga-105-brigade-trazimo-demantij-bandica-clanak-76100 | archive-date = January 10, 2010 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}

The Bandić campaign created a negative campaign television ad that used a recording of Josipović's words, but after the Josipović campaign complained, the State Election Committee banned it as a violation of campaign rules, while Bandić campaign complained of censorship.{{cite web | url = http://www.hrt.hr/index.php?id=275&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=58724&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=274&cHash=616c3c3a8d | title = Zabranjen Bandićev spot | language = hr | work = HINA/Croatian Radiotelevision | date = January 6, 2009 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} They eventually released a modified version of the same ad, just avoiding the use of Josipović's own voice.

The January 7 debate on Nova TV was held at 21:45, moderated once again by Mislav Bago. The two candidates had a somewhat more intense exchange regarding most issues previously discussed in the campaign. They once again compared tenure in the League of Communists of Croatia and SDP, their personal properties as well as moral values. Josipović called on Bandić to compare their physical and stock properties in court, which the latter refused. There was some talk of endorsements, and some reflections on talking points. They finished in a more cordial tone with the mention of future private visits as well as family pets.

The last debate occurred on January 8 on HRT, moderated by Branimir Bilić. Most common topics were covered once again, ending with some larger themes of international politics such as global warming and the inequality of the third world.

File:Josipovic Pusic Kajin.jpg

• Ivo Josipović (SDP):
• President Stipe Mesić{{cite web | url=http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/predsjednik-mesic-rukavicama-podrzao-ivu-josipovica-clanak-72774 | title=Predsjednik Mesić u rukavicama podržao Ivu Josipovića | work=Večernji list | date=December 28, 2009 | language=hr | access-date=2010-01-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231021348/http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/predsjednik-mesic-rukavicama-podrzao-ivu-josipovica-clanak-72774 | archive-date=December 31, 2009 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}
• Nadan Vidošević, first round candidate{{cite web | url=http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/vidosevic-podrzat-cu-josipovica-jer-nisam-za-valjanje-u-blatu-i-skidanje-carapa/467835.aspx | title=Vidošević: Podržat ću Josipovića jer nisam za valjanje u blatu i skidanje čarapa | publisher=Index.hr | date=December 30, 2009 | access-date=December 30, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102052955/http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/vidosevic-podrzat-cu-josipovica-jer-nisam-za-valjanje-u-blatu-i-skidanje-carapa/467835.aspx | archive-date=January 2, 2010 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}
• Vesna Pusić, first round candidate, and the Croatian People's Party - Liberal Democrats{{cite web | url=http://josipovic.net/dogadanja/vesna-pusic-i-damir-kajin-podrzavaju-ivu-josipovica/comment-page-1/ | title=Vesna Pusić i Damir Kajin podržavaju Ivu Josipovića | publisher=josipovic.net | date=December 29, 2009 | access-date=December 30, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819031100/http://josipovic.net/dogadanja/vesna-pusic-i-damir-kajin-podrzavaju-ivu-josipovica/comment-page-1/ | archive-date=August 19, 2011 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}
• Damir Kajin, first round candidate, and the Istrian Democratic Assembly
• Croatian Social Liberal Party{{cite web | url=http://www.javno.com/iz-minute-u-minutu/clanak.php?id=3124970 | title=HSLS podržao Josipovića | publisher=javno.com | date=December 29, 2009 | access-date=December 30, 2009 | archive-date=November 21, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121130513/http://www.javno.com/iz-minute-u-minutu/clanak.php?id=3124970 | url-status=dead }}
• Croatian Party of Pensioners{{cite web | url=http://www.rtl.hr/hsu-uz-josipovica-clanak-14652 | title=HSU uz Josipovića | publisher=RTL Televizija | date=December 29, 2009 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• Independent Democratic Serb Party{{cite web |url=http://izbori.tportal.hr/kandidati/49504/Kosoricini-partneri-za-Josipovica.html |title=Kosoričini partneri za Josipovića |work=T-portal |language=hr |date=December 29, 2009 |access-date=2009-12-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102052202/http://izbori.tportal.hr/kandidati/49504/Kosoricini-partneri-za-Josipovica.html |archive-date=January 2, 2010 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}
• Party of European Socialists
• Political parties not represented in Parliament: Alliance of Primorje-Gorski Kotar,{{cite web|url=http://josipovic.net/savez-za-pravdu/podrska-primorsko-goranskog-saveza/ |title=Podrška Primorsko-goranskog saveza |work=Josipovic.net |date=January 3, 2010 |language=hr |access-date=2010-01-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819031511/http://josipovic.net/savez-za-pravdu/podrska-primorsko-goranskog-saveza/ |archive-date=August 19, 2011 }} Green List of Croatia,{{cite web |url=http://www.josipovic.net/dogadanja/zelena-lista-dala-podrsku-ivi-josipovicu/ |title=Zelena lista dala potporu Ivi Josipoviću |publisher=Josipovic.net |language=hr |date=December 29, 2009 |access-date=2009-12-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302002908/http://www.josipovic.net/dogadanja/zelena-lista-dala-podrsku-ivi-josipovicu/ |archive-date=March 2, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }} Socialist Labour Party of Croatia, Women's Democratic Party, Democratic Party of Zagorje,{{cite web|url=http://josipovic.net/dogadanja/zagorska-demokratska-stranka-pozvala-birace-za-ivu-josipovica/ |title=Zagorska demokratska stranka pozvala birače za Ivu Josipovića |language=hr |work=Josipovic.net |date=January 5, 2010 |access-date=2010-01-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819031133/http://josipovic.net/dogadanja/zagorska-demokratska-stranka-pozvala-birace-za-ivu-josipovica/ |archive-date=August 19, 2011 }} Democratic Party of Pensioners,{{cite web|url=http://josipovic.net/dogadanja/demokratska-stranka-umirovljenika-dsu-za-josipovica/ |title=Demokratska stranka umirovljenika – DSU za Josipovića |work=Josipovic.net |date=January 5, 2010 |access-date=2010-01-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819031005/http://josipovic.net/dogadanja/demokratska-stranka-umirovljenika-dsu-za-josipovica/ |archive-date=August 19, 2011 }} Economic Party,{{cite web|url=http://josipovic.net/wp-content/uploads/Prijevremeno-izvjesce-02.01.10.pdf |title=Ivo Josipović - financiranje izborne promidžbe |work=Josipovic.net |language=hr |date=January 2010 |access-date=January 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819031516/http://josipovic.net/wp-content/uploads/Prijevremeno-izvjesce-02.01.10.pdf |archive-date=August 19, 2011 }} Left of Croatia,{{cite web|url=http://josipovic.net/savez-za-pravdu/podrska-ljevice-hrvatske/ |title=Podrška Ljevice Hrvatske |work=Josipovic.net |language=hr |date=January 6, 2010 |access-date=2010-01-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819031450/http://josipovic.net/savez-za-pravdu/podrska-ljevice-hrvatske/ |archive-date=August 19, 2011 }} Croatian Green Party – Ecological Alliance,{{cite web|url=http://josipovic.net/dogadanja/hrvatska-stranka-zelenih-eko-savez-podrzava-ivu-josipovica/ |title=Hrvatska stranka zelenih – eko savez, podržava Ivu Josipovića |work=Josipovic.net |language=hr |date=January 5, 2010 |access-date=2010-01-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819031034/http://josipovic.net/dogadanja/hrvatska-stranka-zelenih-eko-savez-podrzava-ivu-josipovica/ |archive-date=August 19, 2011 }} Democratic Party of Međimurje, Adriatic Social Democratic Party of Croatia,{{cite web|url=http://josipovic.net/savez-za-pravdu/podrska-jsdsh/ |title=Podrška JSDSH-a |work=Josipovic.net |language=hr |date=January 7, 2010 |access-date=2010-01-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819031433/http://josipovic.net/savez-za-pravdu/podrska-jsdsh/ |archive-date=August 19, 2011 }} Banija Democratic Party,{{cite web|url=http://josipovic.net/savez-za-pravdu/podrska-banijske-demokratske-stranke-bds/ |title=Podrška Banijske demokratske stranke – BDS-a |work=Josipovic.net |language=hr |date=2010-01-07 |access-date=2010-01-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819031422/http://josipovic.net/savez-za-pravdu/podrska-banijske-demokratske-stranke-bds/ |archive-date=August 19, 2011 }} Autonomous Regional Party of Croatian Primorje, Gorski Kotar, Islands and the City of Rijeka,{{cite web|url=http://josipovic.net/savez-za-pravdu/podrska-autonomne-regionalne-stranke-ars/ |title=Podrška Autonomne regionalne stranke – ARS-a |work=Josipovic.net |date=January 7, 2010 |access-date=2010-01-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819031314/http://josipovic.net/savez-za-pravdu/podrska-autonomne-regionalne-stranke-ars/ |archive-date=August 19, 2011 }} Autochthonous Croatian Peasant Party,{{cite web|url=http://josipovic.net/dogadanja/a-hss-podrzava-ivu-josipovica/ |title=A-HSS podržava Ivu Josipovića |publisher=Josipovic.net |language=hr |date=December 30, 2009 |access-date=2009-12-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819030945/http://josipovic.net/dogadanja/a-hss-podrzava-ivu-josipovica/ |archive-date=August 19, 2011 }} Serb People's Party, Democratic Party of Serbs, New Serb Party and Community of Serbs in Croatia{{cite news | url=http://websrv2.hina.hr/hina/web/article-izbori07.action?id=20100104:NEWS-H1041032:1:hrv&c=izbori07 | agency=HINA | title=Demokratska partija Srba i Zajednica Srba u Hrvatskoj za Josipovića | date=January 4, 2010 | language=hr | access-date=January 5, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721100403/http://websrv2.hina.hr/hina/web/article-izbori07.action?id=20100104:NEWS-H1041032:1:hrv&c=izbori07 | archive-date=July 21, 2011 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}
• Plinio Cuccurin, leader of NGO Ladonja, association for better Istria,{{cite web|url=http://josipovic.net/dogadanja/cuccurin-glasat-cu-za-kolegu-po-struci-ivu-josipovica/ |title=Cuccurin: Glasat ću za kolegu po struci, za Ivu Josipovića |publisher=Josipovic.net |language=hr |date=December 30, 2009 |access-date=2009-12-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819031001/http://josipovic.net/dogadanja/cuccurin-glasat-cu-za-kolegu-po-struci-ivu-josipovica/ |archive-date=August 19, 2011 }}
• Ivan Grubišić, Catholic priest, sociologist and leader of Citizen's Ethical Forum{{Cite web |url=http://josipovic.net/dogadanja/gradansko-eticki-forum-don-ivana-grubisica-za-ivu-josipovica/ |title=Ivo Josipović |access-date=2010-01-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819031023/http://josipovic.net/dogadanja/gradansko-eticki-forum-don-ivana-grubisica-za-ivu-josipovica/ |archive-date=2011-08-19 |url-status=live }}
• Homeland war former generals: Rahim Ademi, Tihomir Blaškić, Ivica Obrovac, Veselko Gabričević and Josip Zvirotić, including notable warriors Branko Borković alias Mladi Jastreb, Predrag Fred Matić.
• Damir Novotny, economist,{{cite web |url=http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/vijesti/ili-ce-hrvatska-naprijed-s-josipovicem-ili-nazad-s-bandicem.html |title=Ili ćemo naprijed s Josipovićem, ili nazad s Bandićem |work=Izbori.dnevnik.hr |date=2009-12-29 |language=hr |access-date=2010-05-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721100700/http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/vijesti/ili-ce-hrvatska-naprijed-s-josipovicem-ili-nazad-s-bandicem.html |archive-date=2011-07-21 |url-status=dead }} Mirko Filipović{{cite web|url=http://josipovic.net/dogadanja/mirko-filipovic-podrzava-ivu-josipovica/|title=josipovic.net|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819031055/http://josipovic.net/dogadanja/mirko-filipovic-podrzava-ivu-josipovica/|archive-date=August 19, 2011|access-date=January 7, 2010}}
• Milan Bandić (independent, supported by HDSSB):
• Boris Mikšić, first round candidate{{cite web | url=http://www.tportal.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/49404/Nadanovi-za-Josipovica-Primorcevi-za-Bandica.html | title=Nadanovi za Josipovića, Primorčevi za Bandića | publisher=tportal.hr | language=hr | date=December 28, 2009 | access-date=December 30, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610225427/http://www.tportal.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/49404/Nadanovi-za-Josipovica-Primorcevi-za-Bandica.html | archive-date=June 10, 2011 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}
• Miroslav Tuđman, first round candidate{{cite web | url=http://www.hrt.hr/index.php?id=48&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=58508&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=38&cHash=de083336d4 | title=PGS uz Josipovića, Tuđman uz Bandića | date=4 January 2010 | work=hrt.hr | publisher=Croatian Radiotelevision | language=hr | access-date=2010-01-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302221451/http://www.hrt.hr/index.php?id=48 | archive-date=2 March 2010 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}
• Željko Kerum, mayor of Split{{cite web | url=http://www.tportal.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/49289/Kerum-uz-Bandica-u-drugom-krugu.html | title=Kerum uz Bandića u drugom krugu | publisher=tportal.hr | date=December 28, 2009 | access-date=December 30, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610225617/http://www.tportal.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/49289/Kerum-uz-Bandica-u-drugom-krugu.html | archive-date=June 10, 2011 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}
• Ljubo Bešlić, mayor of Mostar{{cite web |url=http://www.tportal.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/49852/Mostarski-gradonacelnik-navija-za-Bandica.html |title=Mostarski gradonačelnik navija za Bandića |work=Tportal.hr |date=1 January 2010 |language=hr |access-date=2010-05-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610230745/http://www.tportal.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/49852/Mostarski-gradonacelnik-navija-za-Bandica.html |archive-date=10 June 2011 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}
• Political parties not represented in Parliament: Croatian Party of Rights – Ante Starčević,{{cite web | url=http://www.tportal.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/49374/Tomasickin-HSP-podrzava-Bandica.html | title=Tomašićkin HSP podržava Bandića | language=hr | publisher=tportal.hr | date=December 28, 2009 | access-date=December 30, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610230252/http://www.tportal.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/49374/Tomasickin-HSP-podrzava-Bandica.html | archive-date=June 10, 2011 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} Green party{{cite web |url=http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/zelena-stranka-podrzala-milana-bandica/468360.aspx |title=Zelena stranka podržala Milana Bandića |work=Index.hr |date=4 January 2010 |language=hr |access-date=2010-05-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107234839/http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/zelena-stranka-podrzala-milana-bandica/468360.aspx |archive-date=7 January 2010 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }} and the Party of Pensioners{{cite web | url=http://www.milanbandic.com/vijesti/574-umirovljenici-za-milana-bandica.html | title=Umirovljenici za Milana Bandića | date=January 7, 2010 | work=milanbandic.com | language=hr | access-date=2010-01-10 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111050450/http://www.milanbandic.com/vijesti/574-umirovljenici-za-milana-bandica.html | archive-date=January 11, 2010 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}
• A list of various of war veteran associations,{{cite web | url = http://www.milanbandic.com/hrvatski-branitelji.html | title = Udruge proizašle iz Domovinskog rata koje podržavaju Milana Bandića za Predsjednika Republike Hrvatske | language = hr | work = milanbandic.com | access-date = 2010-01-07 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100109232435/http://www.milanbandic.com/hrvatski-branitelji.html | archive-date = 2010-01-09 | url-status = live }} including the Zagreb and other city or regional branches of the Alliance of Homeland War Associations and the Croatian Homeland War Invalids (HVIDRA){{cite web |url=http://www.seebiz.eu/hr/politika/hvidra-grada-zagreba-potpora-milanu-bandicu,64737.html |title=POTPORA: HVIDRA Grada Zagreba: Potpora Milanu Bandiću |language=hr |publisher=SEEbiz.eu |date=December 30, 2009 |access-date=2009-12-31 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} and Croatian Association of Prisoners in Serbian Concentration Camps[http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/logorasi-drugom-krugu-milana-bandica-clanak-73988 Večernji list] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102081816/http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/logorasi-drugom-krugu-milana-bandica-clanak-73988 |date=2010-01-02 }} Logoraši u drugom krugu uz Milana Bandića, Dec 12, 2009, accessed Jan 2, 2010 and the Association of Croatian Volunteers of the Homeland War (UHDDR) led by Tomislav Merčep{{cite web | url = http://www.tportal.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/50110/Mercep-napao-Josipoviceve-branitelje.html | title = Bandićeva presica – Merčep napao Josipovićeve branitelje | language = hr | date = January 4, 2010 | work = T-portal | access-date = January 4, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110610230902/http://www.tportal.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/50110/Mercep-napao-Josipoviceve-branitelje.html | archive-date = June 10, 2011 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}
• Political parties from Bosnia and Herzegovina: Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina,{{cite web |url=http://business.hr/hr/Naslovnica/Politika/I-HDZ-BiH-za-Bandica |title=I HDZ BiH za Bandića |language=hr |publisher=Business.hr |date=December 30, 2009 |access-date=2009-12-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102091803/http://business.hr/hr/Naslovnica/Politika/I-HDZ-BiH-za-Bandica |archive-date=January 2, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} Croatian Democratic Union 1990,{{cite web | url=http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/oba-hdza-iz-bih-pozvala-svoje-clanstvo-da-glasa-za-milana-bandica/467810.aspx | title=Oba HDZ-a iz BiH pozvala svoje članstvo da glasa za Milana Bandića | language=hr | work=Index.hr | date=December 30, 2009 | access-date=2009-12-31 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102055047/http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/oba-hdza-iz-bih-pozvala-svoje-clanstvo-da-glasa-za-milana-bandica/467810.aspx | archive-date=January 2, 2010 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} Croatian Christian Democratic Union (Bosnia and Herzegovina){{cite web | url=http://www.hrt.hr/index.php?id=275&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=58293&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=274&cHash=6eaf68bb0e | title=I HKDU BiH podržava Bandića | work=hrt.hr | publisher=Croatian Radiotelevision | date=December 31, 2009 | language=hr | access-date=2010-01-06 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• Croatian Society of Victimology{{cite web|url=http://www.milanbandic.com/vijesti/579-pisma-podrske-milanu-bandicu.html |title=Pisma podrške Milanu Bandiću |work=Milanbandic.com |language=hr |access-date=2010-05-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111050457/http://www.milanbandic.com/vijesti/579-pisma-podrske-milanu-bandicu.html |archive-date=January 11, 2010 }}
• Marko Perković Thompson,{{cite web|url=http://www.milanbandic.com/vijesti/511-potpora-milanu-bandicu-od-zvonka-busica-i-thompsona.html |title=Potpora Milanu Bandiću od Zvonka Bušića i Thompsona |date=December 31, 2009 |work=milanbandic.com |language=hr |access-date=2010-01-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105151858/http://www.milanbandic.com/vijesti/511-potpora-milanu-bandicu-od-zvonka-busica-i-thompsona.html |archive-date=January 5, 2010 }} Zvonko Bušić, Zlatko Sudac{{cite web |author=Tomislav Čadež |url=http://www.jutarnji.hr/jedan-stozer-kao-soping-centar--drugi-kao-crkva/466719/ |title=Jedan stožer kao šoping centar, drugi kao crkva |work=Jutarnji list |date=7 January 2010 |language=hr |access-date=2010-05-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113022043/http://www.jutarnji.hr/jedan-stozer-kao-soping-centar--drugi-kao-crkva/466719/ |archive-date=13 January 2010 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}

The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) stated that they will not endorse any candidate in the second round,{{cite web|url=http://www.nacional.hr/clanak/74499/razocarana-premijerka-hdz-u-drugom-krugu-nece-podrzati-nikoga |work=Nacional |title=Razočarana premijerka: HDZ u drugom krugu neće podržati nikoga |language=hr |date=28 December 2009 |trans-title=Disappointed PM: HDZ will not endorse anyone in the runoff |access-date=23 July 2012 |archive-date=13 June 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613180223/http://www.nacional.hr/clanak/74499/razocarana-premijerka-hdz-u-drugom-krugu-nece-podrzati-nikoga }} and have censored local branches that attempted to explicitly endorse Bandić. This happened to HDZ's mayor of Zadar Zvonimir Vrančić who first endorsed him{{cite web | url=http://www.ezadar.hr/clanak/vrancic-podrzao-bandica | title=Vrančić podržao Bandića | publisher=ezadar.hr | date=December 29, 2009 | access-date=December 30, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727021148/http://www.ezadar.hr/clanak/vrancic-podrzao-bandica | archive-date=July 27, 2011 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} but later disclaimed official support,{{cite web | url = http://www.hrt.hr/index.php?id=275&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=58195&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=274&cHash=79ff986cd2 | title = HDZ-ovi odbori posipavaju se pepelom | language = hr | work = Croatian Radiotelevision | date = December 30, 2009 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} and also to the HDZ branch of Makarska{{cite web |url=http://www.javno.com/hr-hrvatska/makarski-hdz-podupro-milana-bandica_288065 |title=Makarski HDZ podupro Milana Bandića – Hrvatska |publisher=Javno |date=December 29, 2009 |access-date=2009-12-31 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120908212757/http://www.javno.com/hr-hrvatska/makarski-hdz-podupro-milana-bandica_288065 |archive-date=September 8, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }} which also retracted their support under threat of sanction.

The Catholic Church in Croatia claimed that they're neutral in this; the Croatian Bishops' Conference states that they never endorse anyone. But, there are some signs of subtle pro-Bandić attitude: Croatian archbishop Josip Bozanić was visited by Milan Bandić in the Archbishop's office on January 2.{{cite web | url = http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/kaptol-tvrdi-da-je-neutralan-ali-bozanic-ipak-prima-bandica-clanak-74316 | work = Večernji list | language = hr | title = Signal vjernicima – Kaptol tvrdi da je neutralan, ali Bozanić ipak prima Bandića | date = January 1, 2010 | access-date = January 2, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100103104621/http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/kaptol-tvrdi-da-je-neutralan-ali-bozanic-ipak-prima-bandica-clanak-74316 | archive-date = January 3, 2010 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} The editor of the official church gazette Glas Koncila Ivan Miklenić, otherwise known as a vocal critic of President Mesić, did not endorse any candidate and instead expressed disappointment with both candidates,{{cite web | url = http://www.net.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/page/2009/12/29/0359006.html | title = Neuslišane molitve – Kaptolu nije po volji ni Bandić ni Josipović | work = Net.hr | date = December 29, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = January 5, 2010 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120905202537/http://www.net.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/page/2009/12/29/0359006.html | archive-date = September 5, 2012 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} but later made statements that were interpreted to favor Bandić.{{cite news | newspaper = Večernji list | url = http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/glas-koncila-okrenuo-plocu-podrzava-milana-bandica-clanak-75469 | title = Katolici neka glasuju koga su biskupi preporučili Glas Koncila okrenuo ploču i podržava Milana Bandića | language = hr | date = January 5, 2010 | access-date = January 13, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100108130144/http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/glas-koncila-okrenuo-plocu-podrzava-milana-bandica-clanak-75469 | archive-date = January 8, 2010 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} During the campaign, numerous minor violations related to Church members were observed by GONG, in favor of Bandić.{{cite web | url = http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/gong-crkva-krsila-izbornu-sutnju-sugerirajuci-glasovanje-bandica-clanak-76965 | title = Drugi krug predsjedničkih izbora – GONG: Crkva kršila izbornu šutnju sugerirajući glasovanje za Bandića | date = January 10, 2010 | language = hr | work = Večernji list | access-date = January 10, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100112130221/http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/gong-crkva-krsila-izbornu-sutnju-sugerirajuci-glasovanje-bandica-clanak-76965 | archive-date = January 12, 2010 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}

Many first-round candidates endorsed the second-round candidates, but some made public statements regarding the second round but did not endorse. Dragan Primorac made several public statements - he initially tried to stay completely neutral, but later released one where he listed some characteristics of the future president that he would want, without naming a candidate, but focusing on the fight against corruption. The reception was mixed – Večernji list said he chose no one,{{cite web | url = http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/primorac-ne-podrzava-ni-bandica-ni-josipovica-clanak-73379 | title = Primorac ne podržava ni Bandića ni Josipovića | work = Večernji list | language = hr | date = December 29, 2009 | access-date = January 9, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100101063545/http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/primorac-ne-podrzava-ni-bandica-ni-josipovica-clanak-73379 | archive-date = January 1, 2010 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} while Jutarnji list said that he chose Josipović, reading between the lines.{{cite web | url = http://www.jutarnji.hr/dragan-primorac-dao-podrsku-ivi-josipovicu/437882/ | title = Drugi krug izbora – Dragan Primorac dao podršku Ivi Josipoviću | work = Jutarnji list | language = hr | date = December 29, 2009 | access-date = January 9, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100117014535/http://www.jutarnji.hr/dragan-primorac-dao-podrsku-ivi-josipovicu/437882/ | archive-date = January 17, 2010 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} The Josipović campaign later decided to include Primorac in their endorsement list{{cite web | url = http://josipovic.net/ostalo/popis-podrske-ivi-josipovicu/ | title = Popis podrške Ivi Josipoviću | work = Josipovic.net | language = hr | date = January 8, 2010 | access-date = January 9, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110819031201/http://josipovic.net/ostalo/popis-podrske-ivi-josipovicu/ | archive-date = August 19, 2011 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} and Primorac did not seem to come forward with a public rebuttal. On the other hand, Josip Jurčević made a late public statement telling voters to void their ballot.{{cite web | url = http://www.javno.com/hr-hrvatska/jurcevic-ne-podrzava-ni-bandica-ni-josipovica_289021 | title = Poništite listić – Jurčević ne podržava ni Bandića ni Josipovića | work = Javno.com | language = hr | date = January 7, 2010 | access-date = January 9, 2010 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130208094150/http://www.javno.com/hr-hrvatska/jurcevic-ne-podrzava-ni-bandica-ni-josipovica_289021 | archive-date = February 8, 2013 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}

These following amounts were submitted to the DIP before the final week of the campaign. The rest will be delivered and published after the second round. The amount spent calculation was done by GONG and TIH for the same period.

All numbers apart from votes are in Croatian kunas.

{{Election results

|cand1=Ivo Josipović|party1=Social Democratic Party of Croatia|votes1=640594|votes1_2=1339385

|cand2=Milan Bandić|party2=Independent|votes2=293068|votes2_2=883222

|cand3=Andrija Hebrang|party3=Croatian Democratic Union|votes3=237998

|cand4=Nadan Vidošević|party4=Independent|votes4=223892

|cand5=Vesna Pusić|party5=Croatian People's Party – Liberal Democrats|votes5=143190

|cand6=Dragan Primorac|party6=Independent|votes6=117154

|cand7=Miroslav Tuđman|party7=Independent|votes7=80784

|cand8=Damir Kajin|party8=Istrian Democratic Assembly|votes8=76411

|cand9=Josip Jurčević|party9=Independent|votes9=54177

|cand10=Boris Mikšić|party10=Independent|votes10=41491

|cand11=Vesna Škare-Ožbolt|party11=Independent|votes11=37373

|cand12=Slavko Vukšić|party12=Democratic Party of Slavonia Plain|votes12=8309|color12=cyan

|invalid=20890|invalid2=30547

|electorate=4495233|electorate2=4495528

|source=State Election Committee{{cite web|publisher=State Election Committee|url=https://www.izbori.hr/arhiva-izbora/index.html#/app/predsjednik-2009|language=hr|title=Izbori za Predsjednika Republike Hrvatske (27.12.2009.)|access-date=27 October 2021}}

}}

File:2010 izbori.png

File:Croatia 2009 map results.PNG

The first round of the election saw the lowest turnout of any presidential election in Croatia's history with only 43.96% of all the citizens eligible to vote participating in the election compared to 50.57% five years ago and 62.98% ten years ago. Most political observers noted the public's increasing distrust in politicians and the political system as the main reason for the low turnout.{{cite web | url = http://www.novilist.hr/2009/12/28/gong-3A-izborni-dan-do-10-sati-b.aspx | title = Slab odaziv birača, glasovao državni vrh | work = Novi List | date = December 27, 2009 | language = hr }}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Nationwide, Ivo Josipović obtained 32% and Milan Bandić 14%, meaning the two of them combined achieved less support than Stjepan Mesić did in 2005 in the first round only. The fact that there were only three actual left-leaning candidates meant the left was relatively united under Josipović, while the votes of the right were spread out on several prominent candidates, including Bandić, which was one of the reasons why no right wing candidate managed to qualify for a run-off. As such, this election became historic as a run-off would feature two candidates once in the same party, Josipović, who rejoined SDP a year before the election, and Bandić, who left SDP a month before the election so he could run as an independent.

The candidate of the governing centre-right Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) Andrija Hebrang came in third with 12% of the vote, a result noticeably better than most polls had predicted, but still seen by many as a debacle for HDZ as he achieved the lowest ever result for the party on a national level and also became their first presidential candidate not to secure a second round since Mate Granić in 2000. Nadan Vidošević, who was seen by many as a front-runner for the presidency in the beginning of the year,{{cite web | url = http://www.croportal.net/link/view/509846 | title = Istraživanje: Vidošević najpoželjniji za predsjednika, Sanader najnegativniji političar | work = Croportal.net | date = March 3, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = December 29, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111002001112/http://www.croportal.net/link/view/509846 | archive-date = October 2, 2011 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} came in fourth with 11% of the vote. Dragan Primorac was the third prominent right-wing candidate who invested huge sums in his campaign,{{cite web | url = http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/analiza-troskova-primorac-svaki-glas-platio-71-bandic-36-a-josipovic-6-kn-clanak-72840 | title = GONG-ove procjene – Analiza troškova: Primorac svaki glas platio 71, Bandić 36, a Josipović 6 kn | date = December 28, 2009 | work = Večernji list | language = hr | access-date = December 29, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091231020617/http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/analiza-troskova-primorac-svaki-glas-platio-71-bandic-36-a-josipovic-6-kn-clanak-72840 | archive-date = December 31, 2009 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} but in the poll he achieved only 6%, lower than what many polls had predicted. Primorac was indeed surpassed even by the centre-left candidate Vesna Pusić who was fifth, obtaining 7.25%.

No other candidate achieved more than 5% on a national level. Left-wing Damir Kajin made a decent showing in his home county, but was nevertheless surpassed by the right-wing Miroslav Tuđman in the overall tally. Slavko Vukšić's final number of votes was even smaller than the number of signatures that originally supported his nomination.{{cite web | url = http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/vijesti/slavko-vuksic-iz-slavonije-donio-12-5-tisuca-potpisa.html | title = Slavko Vukšić iz Slavonije donio 12,5 tisuća potpisa | work = Nova TV | date = November 17, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = December 29, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091118165529/http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/vijesti/slavko-vuksic-iz-slavonije-donio-12-5-tisuca-potpisa.html | archive-date = November 18, 2009 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }}

Josipović carried all 21 counties except for two, the Lika–Senj County which was carried by Andrija Hebrang and the Istria County carried by Damir Kajin.{{cite web | url = http://www.izbori.hr/2009Predsjednik/indexr.html | title = Potpuni službeni rezultati izbora za predsjednika Republike Hrvatske | work = State Election Committee of the Republic of Croatia | date = December 28, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = December 29, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091230113836/http://www.izbori.hr/2009Predsjednik/indexr.html | archive-date = December 30, 2009 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }} He also won the all major cities including the capital of Croatia, Zagreb, a sort of embarrassment for Bandić who is the mayor of the city. Bandić had won the 2009 Zagreb local elections with almost 150,000 votes just seven months prior, but with a turnout of 41.69%/33.62% and under the SDP banner.{{cite web | url = http://www.izbori.hr/2009Lokalni/rezultati2K/r_15_21_0021_000.html | title = Final result of the Mayoral election for the City of Zagreb | work = State Election Committee of the Republic of Croatia | date = June 1, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = December 29, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090606064802/http://www.izbori.hr/2009Lokalni/rezultati2K/r_15_21_0021_000.html | archive-date = June 6, 2009 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} This time he won only some 59,000 votes or 15.64% in Zagreb, with a local turnout of 52.40%.{{cite web | url = http://www.izbori.hr/2009Predsjednik/rezultati/r_21_0000.html | title = Complete official result of the Presidential election for the City of Zagreb | work = State Election Committee of the Republic of Croatia | date = December 28, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = December 29, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091230135355/http://www.izbori.hr/2009Predsjednik/rezultati/r_21_0000.html | archive-date = December 30, 2009 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }}

As all the polls around the country closed at 7 p.m., the first exit polls were published by the major television networks. They showed Ivo Josipović easily claiming first place, but failing to obtain an outright majority winning 32%. The polls showed Milan Bandić, Andrija Hebrang and Nadan Vidošević in a statistical tie with each of them achieving 14%, 12% and 11% respectively.{{cite web | url = http://www.najnovijevijesti.net/izlazne-ankete-josipovic-vodi-sa-327-drugi-bandic-treci-hebrang_118259 | title = Izlazne ankete: Josipović vodi sa 32,7%, drugi Bandić, treći Hebrang | work = najnovijevijesti.net | date = December 27, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = December 30, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110723215538/http://www.najnovijevijesti.net/izlazne-ankete-josipovic-vodi-sa-327-drugi-bandic-treci-hebrang_118259 | archive-date = July 23, 2011 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }} Andrija Hebrang's third place was seen as a great success as most opinion polls before the first round showed him with only single-digit approval, while Nadan Vidošević's placing was seen as a disappointment since most polls before the vote showed him battling for second place with Milan Bandić.{{cite web | url = http://www.javno.com/hr-hrvatska/josipovic-dobio-3244-bandic-148-posto-glasova_287745 | title = Josipović dobio 32,44, Bandić 14,8 posto glasova | work = Javno.com | date = December 28, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = December 30, 2009 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130126222816/http://www.javno.com/hr-hrvatska/josipovic-dobio-3244-bandic-148-posto-glasova_287745 | archive-date = January 26, 2013 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} The polls predicted Vesna Pusić and Dragan Primorac would be the only other candidates to pass 5% with each of them collecting 7% and 5% respectively.{{cite web | url = http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/pogledajte-izlazne-ankete-nove-tv-i-ipsos-pulsa.html/ | title = Izlazne ankete: Vode Josipović i Bandić, Hebrang im za petama | work = Nova TV | date = December 27, 2009 | language = hr | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110721100502/http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/pogledajte-izlazne-ankete-nove-tv-i-ipsos-pulsa.html/ | archive-date = July 21, 2011 }} In 2007, during the parliamentary election, all exit polls predicted SDP would narrowly win, when in the reality HDZ turned out as the victor.{{cite web | url = http://dnevnik.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/izlazne-ankete-sdp-u-blagoj-prednosti-pred-hdz-om.html | title = Izlazne ankete: SDP u blagoj prednosti pred HDZ-om | work = Nova TV | date = November 25, 2007 | language = hr | access-date = December 30, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110721155111/http://dnevnik.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/izlazne-ankete-sdp-u-blagoj-prednosti-pred-hdz-om.html | archive-date = July 21, 2011 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} With that in mind, Andrija Hebrang expressed conviction that when actual results were published, he would overtake Bandić and qualify for second round. He claimed that exit polls do not take into account the votes coming from the citizens living abroad and that conservative voters do not participate in exit polls as much as liberal voters.{{cite web | url = http://business.hr/hr/Naslovnica/Politika/Macek-Hebrang-sigurno-ulazi-u-drugi-krug | title = Maček: Hebrang sigurno ulazi u drugi krug | work = business.hr | date = December 27, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = December 30, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110721100159/http://www.business.hr/hr/Naslovnica/Politika/Macek-Hebrang-sigurno-ulazi-u-drugi-krug | archive-date = July 21, 2011 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }} However, the exit polls predicted the outcome almost perfectly as the country's electoral commission's results later confirmed.{{cite web | url = http://www.izbori.hr/2009Predsjednik/rezultati/r_00_0000.html | title = POTPUNI SLUŽBENI REZULTATI IZBORA ZA PREDSJEDNIKA REPUBLIKE HRVATSKE | work = DIP | date = December 28, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = December 27, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130420222242/http://www.izbori.hr/2009Predsjednik/rezultati/r_00_0000.html | archive-date = April 20, 2013 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }}

Ivo Josipović gave a short speech after the exit polls were announced saying he was confident the official results would match the results they predicted. After the official results were published, he gave a victory speech shortly after midnight thanking his colleagues and especially his voters for their support and expressed conviction he would be the victor once again two weeks later. He said the citizens of Croatia have a choice between the light and the dark, with him being the light, referring to his untarnished political record, and Bandić being the dark, referring to his allegations of corruption. Milan Bandić arrived to his campaign headquarters just a couple of minutes before midnight and just a couple of minutes after the results were announced he gave his speech. He congratulated all the other candidates and said a new race began that night. He said he would be an independent president, not a remote-control of Zoran Milanović and accused Josipović of being a project of the highest-ranking members of SDP. He claimed Croatia needs a president that works for them, not for his party. While he was speaking, most television networks were showing scenes from Josipović headquarters in the corner, with Milanović observing Bandić's remarks. During the middle of his speech, right when Bandić was bashing his former party and its leader, Josipović came to the stage and all television stations switched to hear what he had to say.{{cite web | url = http://videoteka.novatv.hr/multimedia/obracanje-milana-bandica.html | title = Obraćanje Milana Bandića | work = Nova TV | date = December 28, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = December 30, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110721102708/http://videoteka.novatv.hr/multimedia/obracanje-milana-bandica.html | archive-date = July 21, 2011 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}

Andrija Hebrang accused his party's dissidents, Vidošević and Primorac, as well as most right-wing candidates for 'stealing' his votes saying the result was that two left-wingers would face-off in the second round. Despite this, he called the election a great victory of the right claiming that right-leaning candidates combined achieved better results that left-leaning candidates combined.{{cite web | url = http://videoteka.novatv.hr/multimedia/obracanje-andrije-hebranga.html | title = Obraćanje Andrije Hebranga | work = Nova TV | date = December 28, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = December 30, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110721102724/http://videoteka.novatv.hr/multimedia/obracanje-andrije-hebranga.html | archive-date = July 21, 2011 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} In making this assertion, he failed to consider Bandić as left-leaning, and ignored Vidošević's appeal to the left-leaning voters as well. Vidošević conceded defeat saying that one should never blame his failures on others, but himself. He urged the public to continue believing in a better tomorrow saying that Croatia should be a country of knowledge and justice, not of corruption and divisiveness.{{cite web | url = http://videoteka.novatv.hr/multimedia/nadanobracanje.html | title = Obraćanje Nadana Vidoševića | work = Nova TV | date = December 28, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = December 30, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110901133201/http://videoteka.novatv.hr/multimedia/nadanobracanje.html | archive-date = September 1, 2011 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} Pusić gave a short teary speech calling Croatia a country with a lot of potential with only the right leadership. She also noted that no government would ever be able to win without the support of HNS.{{cite web | url = http://videoteka.novatv.hr/multimedia/obracanje-vesne-pusic.html | title = Obraćanje Vesne Pusić | work = Nova TV | date = December 28, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = December 30, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110901133634/http://videoteka.novatv.hr/multimedia/obracanje-vesne-pusic.html | archive-date = September 1, 2011 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} Primorac said he would be forming a new party which would be independent from both HDZ and SDP and said he saw a bright future for Croatia.{{cite web | url = http://www.rtl.hr/primorac-vracamo-se-na-velika-vrata-video-5329 | title = Primorac: Vraćamo se na velika vrata | work = RTL Televizija | date = December 28, 2009 | language = hr | access-date = December 30, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100116143006/http://www.rtl.hr/primorac-vracamo-se-na-velika-vrata-video-5329 | archive-date = January 16, 2010 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}

This election night also saw great drama with the war of the television networks. Nova TV and RTL Televizija organized the exit polls together and offered HRT to participate, however HRT refused claiming they were unaware exit polls would be permitted as electoral silence lasted until midnight. HRT showed the results of the exit polls during their prime-time news show Dnevnik. Nova TV and RTL Televizija objected and demanded HRT to pay for distributing their polls.{{cite web|url=http://www.nacional.hr/clanak/74503/prisavska-posla-htv-pokrao-izlazne-ankete-novoj-tv-i-rtl-u |title=Prisavska posla: HTV 'ukrao' izlazne ankete Novoj TV i RTL-u |work=Nacional |date=28 December 2009 |language=hr |trans-title=Prisavlje business: Croatian Radiotelevision 'steals' Nova TV and RTL exit polls |access-date=23 July 2012 |archive-date=13 June 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613180009/http://www.nacional.hr/clanak/74503/prisavska-posla-htv-pokrao-izlazne-ankete-novoj-tv-i-rtl-u }}

File:Croatian presidential election 2010 results 2.png

The first round of the election saw the lowest turnout for any Croatian presidential election ever, so many political pundits at the beginning of the runoff campaign predicted an even lower turnout for the second round. However, as the campaign started to become more heated and the electoral body more divided, it was evident the runoff election would have a greater turnout than the first round. The increase in turnout was 277,661 people, of which 268,166 cast valid votes. Overall, 50.13% of citizens who are eligible to vote fulfilled their public right. That's a little more than 6 percentage points higher turnout than the first round and on pair with five years ago, but 10 percentage points less than 10 years ago and the lowest turnout for a runoff presidential election ever.

Nationwide, Ivo Josipović achieved 1,339,385 votes, or 60.26%, while Milan Bandić won 883,222 votes, or 39.74%. Most polls before the election were showing Josipović with a hefty double-digit lead, but never as much as 20 percentage points as he achieved during the election. The difference between the two candidates came as a surprise to many pundits and analysts for two reasons: the polls usually favor the more liberal candidate since left-leaning voters tend to participate in opinion polls more than conservative voters; and the fact that most polls before the election didn't include the votes from the citizens living abroad, which was expected to be a strong boost for Bandić come Election Day. Nevertheless, the final result is similar to the result of the last several polls when only the certain voters were taken into account, which may indicate that few undecided voters actually went to the polls in the second round.

Image:Croatia Elections 2010.pngJosipović won all Croatian counties except for the Lika-Senj county, the least populated Croatian county. Similarly, he won all cities with more than 20,000 inhabitants and all cities that are county seats, except for Gospić, which is also the smallest. The capital city Zagreb was also won by Josipović, with a margin that was slightly higher than the national average. Bandić was unsuccessful in the majority of Zagreb boroughs, but he did win Lika and the extraterritorial electoral unit, where the majority of votes came from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The closest margins were in the traditional right-wing strongholds in parts of Slavonia and Dalmatia.

According to the exit polls Josipović won more than 90% of Vesna Pusić's voters and 70% of Nadan Vidošević's voters. He also managed to consolidate the traditionally centre-left voters winning 90% of his party's as well as more than 80% of HNS voters and more than 70% of the centrist HSLS and centre-right HSS voters, at the same time appealing to every fourth HDZ voter. Bandić won almost 80% of all Hebrang voters as well as 57% of Primorac's voters and obtained 3 quarters of all HDZ voters, confirming the assumption that Bandić mostly appealed to the right.{{cite web | url = http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/ivo_josipovic/hrvatska-u-crvenom-bandic-je-bio-kandidat-hdz-a.html | language = hr | title = Hrvatska 'u crvenom': Bandić je zapravo bio kandidat HDZ-a | date = January 11, 2010 | work = Nova TV | access-date = January 11, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100114021534/http://izbori.dnevnik.hr/clanak/ivo_josipovic/hrvatska-u-crvenom-bandic-je-bio-kandidat-hdz-a.html | archive-date = January 14, 2010 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }}

The result was not received particularly well by the Church gazette Glas Koncila editor Ivan Miklenić, who stated Josipović's legitimacy, but first pointed out that he was elected by less than a third of the total population, and claimed that he was supported by "obscure power centers". He concluded that the election is the result of a policy of continuation and "not a democratic breakthrough".{{cite news | newspaper = Glas Koncila | language = hr | url = http://www.glas-koncila.hr/rubrike_komentar.html?broj_ID=18087 | title = Potvrda kontinuiteta | author = Ivan Miklenić | date = January 17, 2010 | access-date = January 16, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100117073658/http://www.glas-koncila.hr/rubrike_komentar.html?broj_ID=18087 | archive-date = January 17, 2010 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }} The secular Jutarnji list editor Davor Butković lambasted that opinion, saying he was personally a Catholic but was offended by the notion that the Church would undermine the election result. Having a third of the electorate's votes is not relevant because not even the late Franjo Tuđman or even any single Government was ever elected with more than a half of the electorate. He concluded by asking why the Church is "insulting its faithful who voted for Josipović" and saying that as long as this kind of a stance persists, the Croatian churches will "remain empty other than on major holidays".{{cite news | newspaper = Jutarnji list | language = hr | url = http://www.jutarnji.hr/zasto-kaptol-vrijeda-svoje-vjernike-koji-su-glasali-za-josipovica/486152/ | title = Zašto Kaptol vrijeđa svoje vjernike koji su glasali za Josipovića | date = January 14, 2010 | access-date = January 16, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100117071930/http://www.jutarnji.hr/zasto-kaptol-vrijeda-svoje-vjernike-koji-su-glasali-za-josipovica/486152 | archive-date = January 17, 2010 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} The secular Večernji list chief commentator Milan Ivkošić once again called on Josipović to stay away from former President Mesić's "selective finger-pointing" which in his opinion particularly impacted the President's relations with Kaptol, in addition to a perceived "complaisance in the defence of Croatian national interests". He also noted that the new president remains "marked" by his agnosticism in relation to the right-wing voting body, but called on the Croatians to determine a basic consensus and avoid any accusations of "treason".{{cite news | newspaper = Večernji list | language = hr | url = http://www.vecernji.hr/kolumne/drukciji-mesica-kolumna-79258 | title = Rodoljubna zanovijetanja - Drukčiji od Mesića?! | date = January 14, 2010 | access-date = January 16, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100117081501/http://www.vecernji.hr/kolumne/drukciji-mesica-kolumna-79258 | archive-date = January 17, 2010 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} Josipović indeed explicitly stated that he "will not step into that whole polemic" and that he has no comment.{{cite news | newspaper = Slobodna Dalmacija | language = hr | url = http://www.slobodnadalmacija.hr/Hrvatska/tabid/66/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/87572/Default.aspx | title = Josipović bez komentara na Glas Koncila, Bozanić čestitao: Promičite nacionalne interese | date = January 14, 2010 | access-date = January 16, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120404132236/http://www.slobodnadalmacija.hr/Hrvatska/tabid/66/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/87572/Default.aspx | archive-date = April 4, 2012 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}

File:Josipovic election night.jpg

When the polls around the country closed at 19:00 RTL and Nova TV published the results of the exit polls conducted by Ipsos PULS. They predicted a landslide win for Josipović, giving him an advantage of almost 30 percentage points, significantly larger than all of the second-round polls. This shifted much of the political commentary and rendered much of the expected drama moot. The Josipović headquarters started celebrating immediately after the polls closed claiming that the difference is too large for Bandić to overcome and the exit polls don't feature such a large statistical margin of error. The Bandić campaign said they'll wait for official results, but admitted it would be very hard for Bandić to overtake Josipović's 30 point lead even when the votes from abroad were tallied. The exit polls predicted the outcome well as the ratio between the two candidates was 9 to 1 for Bandić abroad, where there were no exit polls, which narrowed Josipović's victory to a final difference of 21 percentage points.

After the official results were announced at midnight it was evident that Ivo Josipović was elected the third president of the Republic. He gave a victory speech shortly after thanking everybody who voted for him, but also saying he would be the president of all, not just the left. He called his victory a step in the right direction and said he would work hard for justice and a better Croatia.{{cite web | url = http://videoteka.novatv.hr/multimedia/josipovic-ovo-je-bila-pobjednicka-simfonija.html | language = hr | title = Josipović: Ovo je bila pobjednička simfonija | date = January 11, 2010 | work = Nova TV | access-date = January 12, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100117015138/http://videoteka.novatv.hr/multimedia/josipovic-ovo-je-bila-pobjednicka-simfonija.html | archive-date = January 17, 2010 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} Josipović did not finish his acceptance speech before Bandić started his concession speech, using the opportunity to decry "hate, contempt and intolerance from everyone" towards him.{{cite web | url = http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/cestitam-kolegi-josipovicu-a-vec-sutra-sam-poslu-clanak-77188 | language = hr | title = Čestitam kolegi Josipoviću, a već sutra sam na poslu | date = January 10, 2010 | work = Večernji list}}{{cite web | url = http://videoteka.novatv.hr/multimedia/bandic-priznao-poraz.html | language = hr | title = Josipović: Bandić priznao poraz | date = January 11, 2010 | work = Nova TV | access-date = January 12, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110901132251/http://videoteka.novatv.hr/multimedia/bandic-priznao-poraz.html | archive-date = September 1, 2011 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}{{cite web | url = http://videoteka.novatv.hr/multimedia/vracam-se-raditi-svoj-posao.html | language = hr | title = Vraćam se raditi svoj posao | date = January 11, 2010 | work = Nova TV | access-date = January 12, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110901134252/http://videoteka.novatv.hr/multimedia/vracam-se-raditi-svoj-posao.html | archive-date = September 1, 2011 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}

The Bandić self-victimization was ultimately not well received by both the voters and the media.{{cite web | url = http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/ipak-je-kraju-skromni-david-pobijedio-bahatog-golijata-clanak-77801 | language = hr | work = Večernji list | title = Večernjakovi kolumnisti o izboru Ive Josipovića za hrvatskog predsjednika | date = January 11, 2010 | access-date = January 12, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100113091702/http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/ipak-je-kraju-skromni-david-pobijedio-bahatog-golijata-clanak-77801 | archive-date = January 13, 2010 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}

During election night, Milanović gave an interview to the three major television networks where he congratulated Ivo Josipović and called on Jadranka Kosor to hold a meeting with him where they would discuss the major political differences between their two parties and find a way to agree on how to help the economy further.{{cite web | url = http://videoteka.novatv.hr/multimedia/milanovic-o-pobjedi-ive-josipovica.html | language = hr | title = Milanović o pobjedi Ive Josipovića | date = January 11, 2010 | work = Nova TV | access-date = January 21, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110901133109/http://videoteka.novatv.hr/multimedia/milanovic-o-pobjedi-ive-josipovica.html | archive-date = September 1, 2011 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} The prime minister responded the very same night when she congratulated Josipović saying she invited the opposition leader for a coffee over six months ago claiming he refused.{{cite web | url = http://www.net.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/page/2010/01/11/0757006.html | language = hr | work = Net.hr | title = Tko je Milanović da mene poziva na razgovor? | date = January 11, 2010 | access-date = January 21, 2010 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120905054254/http://www.net.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/page/2010/01/11/0757006.html | archive-date = September 5, 2012 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }} Milanović responded the next day by saying he doesn't want finger-pointing, but a constructive discussion about jobs, the budget and tax reform. They came to an agreement the following week and they held a meeting on 21 January.{{cite web | url = http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/kosor-i-milanovic-popili-famoznu-kavu-nismo-neprijatelji-nego-politicki-suparnici/471529.aspx | language = hr | work = Index.hr | title = Kosor i Milanović popili famoznu kavu: "Nismo neprijatelji nego politički suparnici" | date = January 21, 2010 | access-date = January 22, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100125035625/http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/kosor-i-milanovic-popili-famoznu-kavu-nismo-neprijatelji-nego-politicki-suparnici/471529.aspx | archive-date = January 25, 2010 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}

Although HRT admitted they crossed the line two weeks ago when they reported the results of the exit polls conducted by RTL and Nova TV, they once again 'borrowed' the results for the second round election night. This caused a stir within HRT against the main editor of the news program Hloverka Novak-Srzić who was faced with scandals long before the election night incident. Finally, exactly nine days after the election, on 19 January, she was released of her duties as chief editor.{{cite web | url = http://www.slobodnadalmacija.hr/Hrvatska/tabid/66/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/88247/Default.aspx | language = hr | work = Slobodna Dalmacija | title = Smijenjena Hloverka Novak Srzić: Ovo je olakšanje; Latin: Hvala Bogu! | date = January 19, 2010 | access-date = January 21, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120404132311/http://www.slobodnadalmacija.hr/Hrvatska/tabid/66/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/88247/Default.aspx | archive-date = April 4, 2012 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}

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