Pro-West and pro-Russia candidates square off in Slovakia’s presidential elections
Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini delivers a speech at the National Museum in Prague, Czech Republic, on Nov. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek, File)
DATE OF ELECTION
First round - March 23; runoff – April 6
TYPE OF ELECTION
Presidential election
WHO’S RUNNING
The speaker of Slovakia’s Parliament, Peter Pellegrini, a close ally of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, is considered a favorite in the race for the largely ceremonial post of president. Former Foreign Minister Ivan Korčok, a pro-Western career diplomat, is expected to be Pellegrini’s main rival in the presidential vote.
WHY IT MATTERS TO THE WORLD
Pellegrini’s victory would mean Fico, who is pro-Russian and anti-American, and his allies, would be in charge of all key posts in Slovakia, including the prime minister, parliamentary speaker and the president.
For more on Slovakia’s election, click here
To see how other 2024 elections could affect the world, click here