"This country is devastated in every respect, socially and economically. It's sad that after 20 years citizens again have to fight for their country in which the principles of free Europe apply," Komadina said.

He said citizens must not allow the squandering of votes, calling on them to vote for changes and for the opposition coalition which he said "offers concrete measures to solve the key challenges."

SDP president Zoran Milanovic said political parties fought for people's trust at elections and that what was happening in many European countries now was a "break-up of the system of trust."

"Unfortunately, people have lost confidence in institutions. Fiscal consolidation is ahead. We are aware that we are joining the EU, which is why this is a watershed moment for us," he said, adding that Croatia must primarily rely on its own strengths.

Milanovic said Croatia would see that local self-government units and counties managed a higher percentage of public funds, and that "the next government's goal is to increase the powers of units of local and regional self-government and their revenues."

"Our success depends on them. Enough with the politics of frustration! We are responsible for our successes as well as our failures," he said, adding that citizens would decide on key issues.

Istrian Democratic Party (IDS) president Ivan Jakovcic said there were six more days before the Kukuriku won and the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) became the opposition.

He said the new prime minister would not have it easy, adding that the incumbent government was aware its days were numbered and that citizens rightfully saw the Kukuriku coalition as Croatia's saviour, as "they no longer want any adventures."

IDS vice president Damir Kajin said Croatia would become better, more equitable and more honest immediately after the election.

"This election truly represents a referendum for a new Croatia. It won't be easy because we will inherit an over-indebted state, a country without export or industry," he said.

Kajin said HDZ president Jadranka Kosor need not be jealous of the people who would assume the running of the state, as "she knows what she is leaving behind, a sorry and plundered state with a destroyed economy."

He said Kosor bragged that she launched the clampdown on corruption, but added that this fight began when Ivo Josipovic was elected president. He said Croatia lost at least 15 years under the HDZ's rule, to be followed now by "eight years of fighting for survival so that Croatia can become a promising and organised state."