The first round of voting in Slovakia’s presidential election pits the pro-Russian camp against the pro-Ukrainian camp
(AFP, Bratislava, 23rd) Slovakia held the first round of voting in the presidential election today. Amid serious differences in domestic views on the Russia-Ukraine war, the election was contested between candidates from the ruling pro-Russia and pro-Russia camps. . Ukrainian candidates face off.
Among the nine candidates, the Speaker of the Slovak Parliament Peter Pellegrini and the former liberal Foreign Minister Ivan Korcok, with the support of the opposition parties, are clearly leading the way.
Although Slovakia’s president is a largely symbolic position, he has the power to ratify international treaties, appoint magistrates, and is the commander-in-chief of the country’s armed forces. The president can also veto laws passed by Congress.
Pelaglini has the support of the popular Prime Minister Robert Fico. Not only did Fico question Ukraine’s sovereignty, but he also made a series of inflammatory comments against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Korchok and outgoing President Zuzana Caputova are also staunch supporters of Ukraine. Chaputova, who is critical of the current government, chose not to seek a second term.
The latest opinion polls show that the presidential election in Slovakia, with a population of 5.4 million, is fiercely competitive. Slovakia is a member of NATO and the European Union (EU).
According to a survey by Ipsos, former Prime Minister Pelaglini is expected to get 37% of the votes, while Kolchowk is expected to get 36% of the votes. As neither is expected to get more than 50% of the votes in the first round of voting, a second round of voting may be held on April 6.
Voting is expected to end at 9 pm local time.
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