VOTERS in Slovakia returned to the polling stations after two weeks to elect their fourth president. The polls opened at 7:00 and will close at 22:00.
Two candidates made it to the second round: Prime Minister Robert Fico, who harvested 28 percent of the vote in the first round, and philanthropist and businessman Andrej Kiska, supported by 24 percent of the vote in the first round. Whoever gets the most votes in the run-off wins.
The first preliminary results will be published on the website of the Statistics Office (www.statistics.sk) or at www.volbysr.sk shortly after 22:00. The official results are expected to be published on March 30, after they are confirmed by the Central Election Committee.
The elected candidate will take office on June 15 when the term of current President Ivan Gašparovič expires.
Every Slovak citizen who reaches the age of 18 on the day of the elections can vote for the president. Voting is possible only on the territory of Slovakia. Those who will not be at the location of their permanent residence on the day of the elections can ask for a so-called voting certificate that they will show to the election committee.
Slovaks living abroad can attend the elections too, but only if they are in Slovakia on the day of the elections. The election committee should include them on the voters’ list and also make a note in their passport, the law stipulates.
Voter turnout in the first round of the election was low, reaching only 43.4 percent.
The election campaign for the presidential elections ceased on March 27 at 7:00 and the moratorium lasts until the end of voting. During the moratorium any form of campaigning is prohibited.
Compiled by Spectator staff
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
