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The question of who will become Slovakia’s new head of state will only be decided in a second election. On April 6, former Foreign Minister and diplomat Ivan Korcok (59), supported by the liberal opposition, and the Social Democratic Parliamentary Speaker Peter Pellegrini (48), who is part of the government camp, will compete against each other engage. According to the preliminary final results, Korcok won the first round of the presidential elections with 42.5 percent, the electoral commission announced early on Sunday morning. Pellegrini got 37.0 percent. None of the nine candidates won an absolute majority, so a second election must decide. Voter turnout in the elections was 51.9 percent.
Korcok had promised during the election campaign to provide a counterbalance to the left-wing nationalist government under Prime Minister Robert Fico. Pellegrini, on the other hand, had the slogan “Slovakia needs calm!” advocated overcoming the deep domestic political divide.
The attitude towards Russia’s war of aggression against the neighboring country is also one of the conflict issues that divide the country’s politics and society. The EU and NATO country Slovakia borders directly on Ukraine. Korcok calls for decisive military support to Ukraine. Pellegrini, on the other hand, urges caution when it comes to arms deliveries and refers to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (65).
The favorite decided not to run
The counting of votes ended in an unexpectedly exciting way. Initially, Pellegrini was clearly ahead of Korcok. After counting the last constituencies, the results turned in Korcok’s favor after midnight. The third strongest candidate was the pro-Russian nationalist and former Justice Minister Stefan Harabin (66) with 11.7 percent. The election results are due to be officially confirmed on Sunday afternoon. Despite her continued popularity, incumbent President Zuzana Caputova (50) decided not to run for a second five-year term. (SDA)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
