Prague, 28 January 2023 (dpa/MIA) – The two-day run-off election for president continues in the Czech Republic on Saturday.

The vote is between former NATO general Petr Pavel and populist ex-prime minister and billionaire Andrej Babis. Latest polls put Pavel, who is considered pro-Western, ahead by a clear margin.

Voters can cast their ballots from 8 am to 2 pm (0700-1300 GMT). A result is expected by the evening. No projections or forecasts will be published.

In the first round a fortnight ago, Pavel received 35.4% of the vote. Babis came in at 35%.

Both candidates voted on Friday. Babis, an entrepreneur originally from Slovakia, described it as a referendum on his character. Pavel called for a high voter turnout and said a lot was at stake.

The presidency in the Czech Republic is a largely ceremonial role, but the head of state also appoints the government and is commander-in-chief of the armed forces.