Slovaks are voting for their new head of state today, in an election that is likely to turn into a duel between the centre-left government and the right-wing opposition, according to dpa. The race is led by incumbent President Ivan Gasparovic, 67, who is supported by the very popular prime minister, Robert Fico. Gasparovic's campaign has made heavy use of the association during the race. Fico voiced his support for the incumbent as polls opened. "Presidents are picked by citizens. I would be glad if they chose President Gasparovic," he told reporters, calling for leadership continuity amid the economic crisis. Campaigning has been banned in Slovakia since Thursday morning. But Fico made the remarks while visiting the neighbouring Czech Republic. Polls showed that Gasparovic faced a challenge from the joint opposition candidate, lawmaker Iveta Radicova, 52. She is the only one of the six remaining contenders who stands a chance of defeating the incumbent.
