Regional and Senate elections under way in Czechia

Czechs are casting their ballots in regional and Senate elections. Over 8,000 candidates are contesting seats on regional councils across the country, except in Prague, where councilors are elected in municipal elections. Elections for a third of the Senate take place every six years. Nearly forty parties and movements have nominated 169 candidates for 27 seats in the upper chamber. A second round of Senate voting will take place next weekend for those who do not secure more than 50 percent of the vote, with the two top candidates from the first round advancing. Polling stations are open on Friday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.