All eyes on Czech populists as voting begins in run-off Senate races

Run-off elections for the Czech Senate began on Friday, with all eyes on whether the populist opposition can carry the day.

In 22 constituencies of the Czech Republic, two candidates are competing against each other. Only five candidates secured an absolute majority in the first round a week ago to win a seat in the upper house of parliament.

Polling stations opened on Friday afternoon. Citizens can also cast their votes until 2 pm (1200 GMT) on Saturday. The counting of votes will then begin, with results expected by early evening.

Every two years, a third of the 81 seats in the Senate are up for election. The Senate has a say in legislation and can block constitutional changes.

Much of the focus is on whether the populist opposition party ANO of former prime minister and billionaire Andrej Babiš can repeat its strong showing in last week's regional elections.

ANO is fielding the most candidates in the run-off elections.

Currently, the liberal-conservative government parties hold a clear majority in the Senate.