By Vera Dvorakova and Jan Lopatka
(Reuters) -The Czech Republic holds a parliamentary election on October 3 and 4, with the opposition ANO party of former Prime Minister Andrej Babis leading opinion polls ahead of the main centre-right ruling parties.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
An ANO-led government would probably clash with the European Union on climate policies and migration, tone down support for Ukraine, and ally more often with Hungary’s government led by Viktor Orban.
Cost of living, energy prices and the country’s anchoring in the EU and military alliance NATO are the main campaign issues.
WHAT DO CZECHS VOTE ON?
Czechs elect 200 deputies for a four-year term in the lower house of parliament, under a proportional voting system. Parties must obtain at least 5% of votes to win seats.
WHEN DOES VOTING TAKE PLACE?
Polls are open 2 p.m. (1200 GMT) to 10 p.m. on October 3 and 8 a.m. to 2. p.m. on October 4.
WHEN WILL RESULTS BE ANNOUNCED?
Results start trickling in after polls close. Nearly complete results are expected later on the afternoon of October 4.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
No party is expected to win a majority. The largest party will likely lead talks to form a coalition or secure support for a minority cabinet.
The president then appoints the prime minister, usually from the party with a viable government plan, and ministers.
President Petr Pavel said he would consider ministerial nominees’ positions on EU and NATO membership, potentially rejecting hardliners.
He would also potentially question Babis on resolving his conflict of interest resulting from his ownership of a farming and chemicals business empire Agrofert.
The new government must seek a confidence vote in the lower house.
COURT CHALLENGES
The Constitutional Court is evaluating complaints that far-right SPD and far-left Stacilo! are undeclared coalitions circumventing a requirement to win more votes to reach parliament. Lower courts have rejected similar complaints.
WHO ARE THE KEY PARTIES AND WHAT ARE THEIR PLEDGES?
** SPOLU (Together) coalition – government
Centre-right coalition led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s Civic Democrats (ODS).
It pledges to raise defence spending toward NATO’s new targets and continue support for Ukraine.
In the European Parliament, ODS is a member of the European Conservatives and Reformists, while other members of SPOLU are in the European People’s Party (EPP).
** Action of Dissatisfied Citizens (ANO) – opposition
The populist party led by Babis campaigned on pledges to lower energy prices, raise salaries and cut corporate taxes.
It rejects the EU’s emissions allowances system for households as well as the EU’s pact to share burdens of migration.
It has pledged to end organizing ammunition supplies for Ukraine, and has rejected NATO’s new defence spending target.
ANO plans to bring independent public broadcasters under direct budget funding and scrap the current government’s attempts at fighting disinformation, which it sees as censorship.
It wants to bring power utility CEZ under full state control.
ANO is in the Patriots for Europe group in the European Parliament.
** Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) – opposition
Far-right, anti-immigration party. It opposes the Green Deal, the Migration Pact, military spending increases or support for Ukraine.
It demands referenda on leaving the EU and NATO.
** The Mayors and Independents (STAN) – government
Centrist movement, part of the current government.
Pro-EU integration, favours euro adoption.
It backs support for Ukraine and strengthening of NATO’s defences.
** Stacilo! (Enough!) – opposition
Stacilo! is led by the Communist Party, which is heir to the former totalitarian ruling party, and several other formations.
Stacilo! wants a departure from NATO and EU.
It sees the West as responsible for the Ukraine war by provoking Russia.
** Czech Pirate Party (Pirates) – opposition
A progressive party with an emphasis on digitalization and individual freedom.
Pirates are strongly pro-NATO and pro-EU and support adoption of the euro.
** Motoriste sobe (Motorists for Themselves) – opposition
A right-wing, eurosceptic party opposed to green policies and progressivism. Closest potential partner for ANO.
(Reporting by Vera Dvorakova and Jan Lopatka; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
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