One week after a voting stalemate, Czech President Vaclav Klaus maintained governmental stability by winning his re-election campaign over main opponent Jan Svejnar.

On February 15, 2008 in a repeat of last week’s inconclusive parliamentary ballot, incumbent Czech Republic President Vaclav Klaus won a second five year term in office. Klaus defeated University of Michigan professor Jan Svejnar in Friday’s third round of voting.

Communists Nominate New Candidate

On the day before the election, the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia nominated journalist-turned-politician Jana Bobosikova, as a third presidential candidate. Bobosikova, a former Klaus advisor and leader of fringe political party Politika 21, was selected by the Communist Party because she has all that the organization requires a presidential candidate to have.

The Communist Party opposes Klaus and refuse to support Svejnar over fears that he would allow for the construction of a proposed U.S. missile defense radar system in the Czech Republic.

Finding little support and almost no chance to get past the first ballot, Bobosikova withdrew from the election just prior to the start of voting. The Communist’s then decided to try to force a third election by supporting Svejnar, thus preventing Klaus from obtaining an absolute majority of votes.

Election Results

In a public vote, Klaus received support from 141 lawmakers in each of the three rounds of voting. Svejnar received 111 votes in the third round, 15 less than in the previous round. Klaus’ support included:

Chamber of Deputies

• Civic Democrats (ODS) - 81
• Christian Democrats (KDS-CSL) - 9
• former Social Democrats (CSSD) - 3

Senate

• Civic Democrats - 41
• Christian Democrats - 5
• Independent Association (SNK) Senators - 2

In the third round, Svejnar received votes from 80 Deputies and 31 Senators.

Outcome Analysis

Klaus believes his victory is support for continuity and the importance of traditional Czech values. Both Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek and Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Alexandr Vondra believe a loss by Klaus would have led to the collapse of the weak ruling coalition. As a result of Klaus’ re-election, very few changes are expected within the Czech government.

The timing of Klaus’ re-election is interesting because he is very critical of the European Union and the Czech Republic is scheduled to assume the rotating six-month EU presidency in the first-half of 2009. Klaus feels the European Union is too centralized, and believes that excess regulation may suppress competition and cultural diversity.

Klaus’ second term will not begin until he takes the oath of office in early March. The Czech President has the power to select the Prime Minister and appoint Constitutional Court judges and members of the Czech National Bank board.

References

“Czech presidential candidate Bobosikova gives up the race - Update.” Earthtimes.org. February 15, 2008.

Jaicek, Karel. “Vaclav Klaus Re-Elected Czech President.” Associated Press. February 15, 2008.

“Klaus re-elected Czech president, at last.” Agence France-Presse (AFP). February 15, 2008.

“Klaus wins second term as Czech Pres.” Press TV. February 16, 2008.

Liang, Yan ed. “Klaus re-elected Czech president.” Xinhua News Agency. February 16, 2008.

Strakova, Nada. “Presidential nominee Bobosikova: I am no vote spoiler.” Aktualne.cz. February 14, 2008.