Slovakia: Presidential election proceeds to runoff

Bratislava: Polls closed in the first round of Slovakia's presidential election on Saturday, with the country headed for a runoff round.

The runoff round will pit the Russia-leaning ruling camp, represented by Peter Pellegrini, against pro-Ukraine candidate and liberal ex-foreign minister Ivan Korcok.

Korcok seemed to be leading with over 40% of the votes.

A runoff, scheduled for April 6, is in order if no candidate secures over 50% of the vote.

Slovaks are electing a successor to Zuzana Caputova, the country's first female president, after she decided not to seek a second term.

The outgoing president, who has sued the country's Prime Minister Robert Fico for labeling her a traitor, says she does not have the energy to stay on for another five years, citing threats against her family amid a turbulent period in Slovakian politics.

Caputova said she hoped her successor would "represent our country abroad well."

The presidential post is widely seen as ceremonial, with executive power resting on the prime minister's shoulders. Nine candidates are vying for the role of Slovakia's sixth head of state since it became independent in 1993.

Backed by Prime Minister Fico, Pellegrini is considered the favourite to become Slovakia's next president. His victory could be interpreted as support to the government's pro-Russia stance.

Fico has previously questioned Ukraine's sovereignty.

After casting his ballot, Pellegrini said Slovakia would stay anchored in the European Union and NATO after the election, despite Fico's remarks.

"Even if we talk about a more sovereign foreign policy this does not mean that the course of Slovakia's foreign policy should change," he added.

Ex-Foreign Minister Korcok, who is staunchly pro-Ukraine like outgoing Caputova, is the other main contender for the presidential role.

"People know what I stand for. Now it is up to them to go and vote," Korcok said after casting his ballot.