Ivan Korczok leads in Slovakia's presidential race, runoff ahead

The first round of Slovakia’s presidential elections was clinched by Ivan Korczok, who had the opposition's support. He will go up against Peter Pellegrini, the speaker of the parliament and former Prime Minister, in a runoff in two weeks.

With over 99% of the votes counted, the gap between them is around 120,000 votes. Korczok secured 42.48%, while his rival obtained 37.05%.

Before the count reached 99%, both candidates, poised for the second round, addressed their supporters from their headquarters. Korczok, surprisingly leading contrary to most pre-election forecasts, expressed his gratitude to the voters, highlighting the current results as promising and uplifting.

He disclosed plans for continued engagement with the electorate, with the first assembly scheduled for this Sunday in Bratislava, followed by gatherings in Košice and other major Slovak cities. Over the course of the election night, Korczok also mentioned his intention to attract supporters from the current governing coalition, particularly those disenchanted with its perceived cultural deficit.

Pellegrini anticipated a tight race but had refrained from speculating about the frontrunner. He views the results as heralding a fiercely competitive second round. He interpreted the performance of candidates opposed to the government's stance on providing military aid to Ukraine as a sign that the majority of Slovaks are not in favor of a "liberal-right-progressive" president but instead prefer a leader who safeguards Slovakia’s national and state interests.

These comments seemed aimed at wooing voters of Ştefan Harabin, the former Supreme Court Chairman and former Justice Minister, who attracted 11.74% of the vote. Harabin, known for his anti-system, nationalist, pro-Russian populist stance, left his post-election intentions vague, suggesting his supporters knew the best course of action.

In his campaign, under that same banner, Harabin conveyed a stance against aid to Ukraine, endorsing peace talks and traditional family values.

President Zuzana Čaputová, who chose not to seek re-election, also made remarks on the election night. She extended her congratulations to the advancing candidates and reflected on the high voter turnout as a sign of the nation’s vested interest in its future. She appreciated the public's participation in the electoral process.

The voter turnout was registered at 51.89%, marking the highest participation rate in Slovakia's presidential elections since the inception of direct presidential voting in 1999.