Zagreb  - The mayor of Croatia's capital Zagreb, Milan Bandic, announced Thursday he will run for the president in the country's December 27 elections.

Bandic, 54, is one of the most popular politicians in the country. The announcement of his candidacy, is a clear sign that the Social Democrat (SDP) - who had a long dispute with his party's leadership - has finally separated from it and will run solo.

After his announcement, the SDP said Bandic is no longer a member. The SDP's candidate for president, Ivo Josipovic, has a slight advantage in polls, but media speculate that he stands little chance against Bandic.

The first round of elections is scheduled for December 27. If no candidate gets an absolute majority, the second round will be held on January 10. The incumbent president, Stjepan Mesic, will not run again since he has already served two terms.(dpa)