Social Democrat senators nominate Zeman for presidential vote

Members of the senior coalition Social Democrats have nominated former leader Milos Zeman to stand in Friday's presidential election. Mr Zeman, a former prime minister, is likely to face two opponents in Friday's vote, the second attempt to elect a successor to President Vaclav Havel. The opposition Civic Democrats have nominated Vaclav Klaus, also a former prime minister, while the two junior coalition parties - the Christian Democrats and the Freedom Union - have nominated Senator Jaroslava Moserova. Observers say with the ruling coalition again fielding two different candidates, Friday's vote is unlikely to produce a successor.

Author: Rob Cameron