Second round of Senate elections starts Friday

At 2pm on Friday, voting booths opened for the second round of Senate elections in the Czech Republic. It is already certain that government opposition parties will retain a majority in the upper house. However, the result of the elections will show whether the Civic Democrats, or Mayors and Independents will acquire a majority in the Senate. The question is important, as the Senate speaker position is traditionally selected from the members of the strongest party.

The coalition Social Democrats, also have much to lose in the elections. With 10 of their 13 senators running in this year’s elections, it is possible the party will not secure five members of the upper house, the number necessary for forming a club in the Senate. Just three Social Democrat candidates made it into the second round.

The Christian Democrats have the opportunity to become the third largest faction within the Senate. Six of its 15 senators are running in this year's election, but seven of the party’s candidates made it into round two.

Only certain districts in the country are voting, as only a third of the upper house is replaced in the bi-annual elections. Newly elected senators receive a six-year-long mandate.

The results of the elections will be announced on Saturday.