Caputova Leading In Slovak Presidential Race According To Data Of 40% Of Polling Stations

BRATISLAVA (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 17th March, 2019) Slovak liberal lawyer and community activist Zuzana Caputova is leading in the first round of Slovak presidential election with 39 percent of votes after counting of data from 40 percent of polling stations, the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic announced on Sunday.

"European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic is at the second place with 18.8 percent of votes, while former Supreme Court judge Stefan Harabin is at the third place with 14.5 percent of votes. Other 10 candidates have received from 0.07 to 10.5 percent of votes," the statement said.

According to Denik newspaper, Caputova has become inaccessible for other candidates.

"I admit that I am pleasantly surprised by my result and thankful to my supporters. I view this as the desire of people for changes in the republic," she said at a short briefing.

According to the country's election procedures, a candidate must receive over 50 percent of the vote in order to be elected in the first round. If no candidate gets a majority, the two who polled the highest will compete in a runoff, which is slated for March 30.