Slovakia votes for president amid deep divisions over Ukraine

(ANSA-AFP) - BRATISLAVA, 23 MAR - Slovakians began voting on Saturday in the first round of a presidential election pitting the Russia-leaning ruling camp against a pro-Ukraine candidate.
    Parliament speaker Peter Pellegrini and liberal ex-foreign minister Ivan Korcok, who is backed by the opposition, are the clear frontrunners among nine contenders. Though the office is largely ceremonial, Slovakia's president ratifies international treaties, appoints top judges and is commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The head of state can also veto laws passed by parliament.
    Pellegrini is backed by populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has questioned Ukraine's sovereignty amongst a list of inflammatory comments over Russia's invasion. Korcok is staunchly pro-Ukraine like outgoing president Zuzana Caputova, a government critic who chose not to seek a second term.
    (ANSA-AFP).