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Ivan Korčok: The former foreign minister estimates 39.3 percent
Photo: Petr David Josek / AP
In Slovakia there are signs that there will be another round of voting: according to projections, the presidential election did not bring any candidate the required absolute majority in the first round. For the two leading candidates, former Foreign Minister Ivan Korčok and former Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini, this means a runoff election on April 6th.
In an extrapolation, Korčok came to 39.3 percent on Saturday evening. Pellegrini is just behind. The final results are due to be published on Sunday.
A Pellegrini victory would strengthen controversial Prime Minister Robert Fico, who is seeking greater control over the media, weakening anti-corruption laws and less aid for Ukraine. Korčok, meanwhile, is supported by the pro-Western liberal opposition.
The head of state in Slovakia primarily has representative tasks. Outgoing President Zuzana Čaputová is not running for a second term. The EU and NATO country Slovakia borders Ukraine.
spr/Reuters