Voting for the new president of the Czech Republic began today with a unique twist due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The Czech Republic has set up drive-in polling stations for those who are in isolation due to COVID-19 to be able to vote. This is the first time that a president has been elected in this manner.

The two candidates are General Petr Pavel and former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. In the first round of the presidential election two weeks ago, half of the people in COVID-19 isolation voted for Pavel and a quarter for Babiš. Pavel, the former high representative of the Czech army and NATO, won 180 out of 354 valid votes and had the most support in the Liberec region. Babiš, the chairman and Member of Parliament of the ANO movement, received 85 votes and did best in the Zlín region.

To vote at the drive-in stations, individuals must have a doctor’s or hygienist’s confirmation that they are in isolation due to the coronavirus. They can also prove their isolation status with a credible confirmation of a positive test for COVID-19 or fill out an affidavit of self-isolation in front of the voting committee.

Those who are unable to vote at the drive-in stations can vote at home in special portable ballot boxes if they request it by the regional authorities or the Prague municipality by 20:00 on Thursday at the latest. This option is also available on Friday and Saturday for regular voters.

The drive-in polling stations will be open until 5:00 p.m. and it is expected that the results of the election will be announced on Sunday.

Article by Prague Forum