The opposition conservative party, Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), claimed victory in the parliamentary elections, which were held in the country on Sunday.

However HDZ will face challenges in forming a government as partial results show that the party is set to win about 60 seats, while the ruling alliance led by the Social Democrats is expected to have 50 MPs.

The refugee crisis was one of the main issues , with more than 320 000 migrants having passed through Croatia this year, the BBC informs.

Interior Minister Ranko Ostojic said last week that managing the refugee influx has cost USD 284 000 a day.

The main winner in the elections, seems to be the alliance of independent candidates, Most (Brigde), which is expected to have 19 MPs.

Prior to the elections, Most had declared that it would not join a coalition led by either of the two main parties.

The next government will also face a weak economy as the country has the third highest unemployment rate in the EU and has experienced six years of recession with a slight growth registered this year.

According to 31 % of the ballots processed, the centre-right coalition is leading over the ruling centre-left coalition headed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Early results show that the Patriotic Coalition, led by HDZ, has claimed 61 out of the 143 seats in the country's parliament.

The Croatia Grows coalition, led by SDP, came second with 53 seats, followed by Most with 19 MPs.