Miloš Zeman re-elected Czech president after beating Jiří Drahoš

Current Czech president Miloš Zeman has become the first head of state to be returned to office in a public vote. Miloš Zeman won around 52% support against challenger Jiří Drahoš’ 48 percent. The turnout was given as around 66.5 percent.

Challenger Drahoš, a former head of the Czech Academy of Sciences, conceded defeat at just before 4 PM local time. He said that although they had not won, they had not lost either. He highlighted the wave of energy that had accompanied his campaign and said he would be staying in public life.

Drahoš won in most of the main cities, with the exception of industrial Ostrava. Zeman’s support mostly came from smaller towns and the country. Analysts argued that Zeman’s ‘common touch’ paid off.

Zeman, 73, cast himself as the political veteran and experienced pair of hands against newcomer Drahoš. He will have a five year term and is likely to be immediately involved in moves to establish a new government following October’s elections won by Andrej Babiš’ ANO party.