Czech Republic Election 2008

The Czech Republic held presidential elections in February, 2008. The indirect elections were held in the parliament. There were only two major candidates, the conservative incumbent Vaclav Klaus and pro-Western reformist, Jan Svejnar. The first election was held on February 8 and 9. When neither candidate won a majority, a second vote was set for February 15. Klaus won all three rounds of the second vote, and earned a second presidential term.

Fast Facts

1. First election took place: February 8 - 9, 2008
2. Two major candidates: Incumbent Vaclav Klaus and Jan Svejnar
3. Czech Republic holds indirect elections which are decided by members of parliament
4. Total parliamentary votes: 278
5. Votes required to win: 140 (approximately 50%)
6. Each election consists of three rounds of voting
7. Neither candidate won a majority in all three rounds
8. Forced to schedule another election
9. Second election took place: February 15, 2008
10. Jana Bobosikova briefly joined as a third candidate, but dropped out before the first round of voting
11. Vaclav Klaus receieved 141 votes in all three rounds of the second election
12. Klaus won second term as president

Election Results

1. First Election
   • Klaus Vaclav: 139 votes
   • Jan Svejnar: 113 votes¹
2. Second Election
   • Klaus Vaclav: 141 votes
   • Jan Svejnar: 111 votes²

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