Czech Republic: Communists double votes as Social Democrats win

Initial results indicate that the Communist Party (KSCM) has increased its share of the vote in the legislative elections in the Czech Republic, while the Social Democratic Party (CSSD) seems set to win with around 30.6%.

Vladimir Spidla, leader of the Social Democratic CSSD is set to form a minority government after his party obtained an estimated 30.6% of the vote, while Vaclav Klaus’ Civic Democratic Party came second with 23.7%. Close on his heels is the Communist Party (KSCM), which increased its vote from 11% in 1998 to between 19 and 21% this time.

While the Centrist Coalition (KDU-CSL/US-DEU) registered only 13.8% of the vote, it is likely that these political parties will form a coalition government with Spidla’s Social Democrats.

Timothy BANCROFT-HINCHEY PRAVDA.Ru