Victory for Croatia's conservatives in parliamentary elections

Croatia's opposition conservatives have declared victory in parliamentary elections, but face a challenge to form a government.

Partial results show the HDZ party is to win about 60 seats, with more than 50 for the ruling alliance led by the Social Democrats. The conservatives are now expected to enter talks to form a coalition.

The migration crisis was one of the main issues. More than 320,000 migrants have passed through Croatia this year.

"The victory brought us responsibility to lead our country, which is in a difficult situation," HDZ leader Tomislav Karamarko told supporters.

"Whoever wants to fight with us for the quality of life in Croatia is welcome."

The big winner looks to be the third force in the election - an alliance of independent candidates known as Most (Bridge), which is expected to claim about 19 seats.

The two alliances have promised different approaches on how to handle the arrival of more refugees and migrants.

Croatia has become a transit hub for migrants, many from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, who want to travel north.

Interior Minister Ranko Ostojic said this week that 320,000 migrants had passed through the country so far this year.

The cost of managing the arrivals was close to 2m kuna ($284,000) a day, he said.