On Saturday, voters in Slovakia participated in the presidential election to choose a successor to Zuzana Caputová, the country's first female president. Caputová, a strong supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, is not seeking re-election.
Peter Pellegrini, a close ally of Prime Minister Robert Fico, is a frontrunner in the race for the largely ceremonial post of president. The election features nine candidates, with Pellegrini leading the pack in the first round.
If no candidate secures a majority, a runoff between the top two contenders will take place on April 6. Pellegrini, known for advocating a robust state role, heads the left-wing Hlas (Voice) party and has emphasized Slovakia's commitment to the European Union and NATO.
Former Foreign Minister Ivan Korcok, a pro-Western career diplomat, is Pellegrini's main rival in the election. Korcok, who supports Slovakia's EU and NATO membership, expressed confidence in his campaign efforts.
Public polls suggest a tight race in the first round, with Pellegrini expected to have a slight edge. Štefan Harabin, a former justice minister and judge who aligns with Russia in the Ukraine conflict, is projected to finish third in the election.
Other notable candidates include former foreign minister Ján Kubiš and far-right leader Marian Kotleba. The election results are anticipated to be announced on Sunday following the closure of polls at 2100 GMT.
The new president will succeed Caputová and become Slovakia's sixth head of state since the country gained independence in 1993. The outcome of the election will shape Slovakia's future direction and its stance on key international alliances.
