In an important electoral event, voters in Slovakia headed to the polling booths on Saturday to choose their new president. The race primarily featured Ivan Korcok, a pro-Western opposition candidate, and Peter Pellegrini, running for the governing nationalist left coalition. With the polls closing at 10pm local time (20:00 GMT), initial projections are expected to be announced soon, while official results are anticipated to trickle in overnight.

The presidential election in Slovakia witnessed a closely contested competition for the largely ceremonial post, as indicated by the final opinion polls in the nation of 5.4 million people. In the first round of voting last month, Korcok secured 42.5 percent of the votes, claiming victory, while Pellegrini finished second with 37 percent. As neither candidate achieved the minimum requirement of 50 percent at the time, the two have now squared off in a decisive second round.

Ivan Korcok, 60, boasts an extensive political background, having served as Slovakia's foreign minister from 2020 to 2022. Prior to that, he held positions of ambassador to the United States and Germany, as well as the country's envoy to NATO and the European Union. Korcok has made it clear that he firmly supports Slovakia's membership in the EU and NATO, placing a strong emphasis on maintaining these alliances.

Peter Pellegrini, 48, on the other hand, is a close ally of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico and is known for his pro-Russian policies. Heading the left-wing Hlas (Voice) party, which finished third in last year's parliamentary elections, Pellegrini advocates for a strong state role. His party formed a governing coalition with Fico's left-wing Smer (Direction) party and the ultranationalist Slovak National Party. The government's pro-Russian stance and other policies, including the halting of arms deliveries to Ukraine, have sparked nationwide protests.

Apart from their different political ideologies, the presidency holds limited executive powers in Slovakia. However, the President can veto laws and challenge them in the constitutional court. They also have the authority to nominate constitutional court judges, who may play a vital role in the political struggle over the fate of Fico's reforms, which seek to soften punishments for corruption.

Korcok has made it his focal point to prevent Fico and his coalition from acquiring executive positions in the government. He has also been vocal in opposing any anti-Western policy shifts by Fico. On the other hand, Pellegrini has attempted to portray Korcok as a warmonger due to his support for arming Ukraine, though Korcok has vehemently denied any intention of involving Slovak troops in the conflict.

The outcome of the election is of great significance, as it could cement Fico's political power, granting him and his allies control over strategic posts. While both candidates have assured the public that they will not involve Slovakia in any war and will maintain strong EU and NATO membership, the election holds implications for the future direction of the country's foreign policy.

As the nation awaits the official results, Slovakia's new president will play a crucial role in shaping the country's political landscape, including decisions surrounding EU and NATO membership, as well as navigating the ongoing tensions with Russia.