Croatians elect MEPs for the first time

Croatians are going to the polls Sunday to elect their first ever Members of the European Parliament.

The country is to officially become an EU Member State on July 1, 2013.

Nineteen parties, eight coalitions, and ne civic group are running for 12 seats in the EP. The threshold is 5%.

The new MEPs will be sworn in office after July 1. Voter turnout is expected to be low over dimming enthusiasm over the EU perspective and a lackluster election campaign.