Czechs are going to the polls over the next two days to elect a successor to President Milos Zeman, whose second term ends in March. Seven men and one woman are in the race to succeed him, and a second-round run-off is likely in a fortnight’s time.

The president is now elected by public vote and it has become a part personality contest, part endurance race. The three front-runners include an ex-Nato general, an economist, and a billionaire former prime minister.

One of the key issues in this year’s presidential race is the role of the president in the Czech Republic, and how this role is defined by the country’s constitution. Many citizens are calling for a president who will respect the constitution, and not push the boundaries of what is allowed.

The current president, Milos Zeman, has been criticized for his handling of the constitutional court and his efforts to appoint a new chairman. This has sparked a debate about the president’s role in the appointment process and whether the constitution is clear enough on this matter.

The sports world in the Czech Republic is also paying attention to the presidential race, with Olympic beach volleyball player Ondrej Perusic, who is competing in Qatar, calling for a president who will respect the constitution. Sports reporter and commentator Darina Vymetalikova also notes the similarities between sport and politics, and the role of symbols and emotions in both fields.

Despite the lack of female candidates in the race, some citizens are still hopeful that Danuse Nerudova, the only female candidate, may have a chance at becoming the country’s first female leader. However, her chances have decreased due to recent plagiarism allegations.

The front-runner in the race is silver-bearded, retired Nato general Petr Pavel, who remains the favorite despite revelations that he had received training in military intelligence during the communist era. Former Prime Minister Andrej Babis also has a chance at the second round, despite being acquitted of EU subsidy fraud this week.

In short, the Czech presidential race is a mix of a personality contest and an endurance race, and the citizens are calling for a president who will respect the constitution. The current president’s handling of the constitutional court and the appointment of a new chairman has sparked a debate about the president’s role. The sports world is also paying attention to the race, and the lack of female candidates in the race is a matter of concern for some. The front-runner is retired NATO general Petr Pavel, but the outcome is still uncertain.

Article by Prague Forum