Czech Republic's first direct Presidential poll

(Vatican Radio) Voters in the Czech Republic are participating in the first direct presidential elections since their nation declared independence 20 years ago, with a colourful man among the hopefuls. .


Two former prime ministers, both former Communists, are tipped to finish atop a list of nine first-round candidates -- including one with a fully tattooed face.

Polls suggest outspoken leftist Milos Zeman is the strongest candidate to take the presidency of the European Union state of 10.5 million people.

He is unlikely to score the simple majority needed to clinch a first-round victory, and will
likely face mild-mannered center-rightist Jan Fischer in the second round on January 25 and 26.

There is one surprise as the colourful Vladimir Franz is running third place.


The opera composer and painter is tattooed from head to toe, his face a warrior-like mix of blue, green and red. He likes to keep it that way. "It's not a handicap, but added value. It's a private matter," Franz told reporters.

The 53-year-old Franz, who is also a professor at Prague's school of performing arts, isn't surprised about his popularity in the polls.

He says people are upset about politics because of widespread corruption.

"The political system is so enchanted with itself that it's lost the ability to self reflect," he complained, adding that Czechs are "fed up."


The independent man reminds Czechs to late Vaclav Havel, the former dissident and playwright, who became the Czech Republic's first president.

While Franz isn't expected to receive most votes, his support will be crucial to whomever wants to become president of a country faced with recession, austerity and graft.

The new president is to replace the euroskeptic Vaclav Klaus who was popular but has recently come under fire over his New Year's decision to release some 7,000 prisoners.

Some of those receiving amnesty have since returned to robbery and murder, prompting mayors of 600 municipalities to take away Klaus photos from official buildings in protest.

Listen to Stefan Bos' report: