Zeynep AzizIncumbent Czech President Miloš Zeman won the first round of the country’s presidential election on 13 January 2018 but did not secure the majority needed to avoid a runoff.
With nearly complete results, Zeman received about 38.6 percent of the vote. Academic Jiří Drahoš finished second and advanced to the decisive contest two weeks later. Most defeated candidates backed Drahoš, making the second round competitive.
The election was closely watched beyond the Czech Republic because Zeman had cultivated relations with Russia and China, criticised immigration and challenged some mainstream European Union positions. Drahoš presented a more firmly pro-European alternative and warned about foreign influence.
Although the Czech presidency is less powerful than the government, the office carries influence in appointments, foreign policy debate and the formation of cabinets. The contest therefore became a wider argument over the country’s political orientation and public tone.
Zeman narrowly won the runoff on 27 January with approximately 51.4 percent against Drahoš’s 48.6 percent, securing a second term. The close result exposed a divided electorate and foreshadowed continuing debates over migration, European integration and relations with Moscow.
