Slovakia headed for runoff in presidential election

Pro-EU candidate Ivan Korcok scores surprise victory in first round of election against Prime Minister Rober Fico's favorite Peter Pellegrini

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Slovakia will proceed to a runoff for presidential elections on April 6 as no candidate succeeded in getting more than 50% of the vote in Saturday's elections.

Peter Pellegrini, a favorite of Prime Minister Robert Fico, will face off against pro-EU former Foreign Minister Ivan Korcok who scored a surprise victory in the first round of the election.

The results of the elections may influence the country's policy toward Ukraine as Fico's view received criticism.

Opposition parties want to balance the policies with Korcok.

Korcok, 59, seemed to be leading with more than 40% of the vote.

He won 42.5% of the vote, Pellegrini receiving 27.1%, with 99.9% of districts counted.

The presidential post is widely seen as ceremonial.

Nine candidates were competing for Slovenia's sixth head of state since independence in 1993.

Kaynak: