Civic Democrats want secret ballot in presidential election

The ruling Civic Democratic Party says it will push for a secret ballot in the February presidential election. This is in line with Czech legislation, but opposition deputy David Rath has said he would table a proposal for a vote by acclamation, saying it would be more honest and transparent. Civic Democratic deputy Petr Tluchoř said on Sunday that there was no reason to change the tradition of a secret ballot. This was justified in one case only – in the turbulent days of 1989 when a parliament of Communist deputies elected Václav Havel president according to the will of the people, Tluchoř said.