its presidential candidate Zagreb, Croatia, Oct 18, SPA -- Croatia's ruling conservative party has asked one of its top officials, Jadranka Kosor, to runfor president in elections likely to be held later thisyear, the party said Monday. Kosor, 51, said she was "certain" she could defeatPresident Stipe Mesic, who still enjoys the support of mostCroats. The Croatian Democratic Union, known by its Croatianacronym HDZ, "can win every battle and it certainly willwin the presidential race as well," Kosor told thenewspaper Jutarnji List. HDZ made its decision in a meeting late Sunday, aftermulling for months who _ if anyone _ stands a chanceagainst Mesic. Kosor has long been speculated as a likelycandidate. Mesic, an independent, acknowledged Kosor is a "seriouscontender." The elections should be held by February, but officialshave indicated they likely will be held in late December. Kosor, Prime Minister Ivo Sanader's chief aide and aformer journalist, is a minister in charge of family andwar veterans.--SPA1305 Local Time 1005 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/211730