Liberal candidate Natasa Pirc Musar looks set to win the second round of the presidential election, which would make her the first female head of state in the small, central European country. All polls show the 54-year-old human rights defender and lawyer with a wide lead in the second round over her center-right rival, former foreign minister Anze Logar. None of the seven candidates managed to collect more than 50% of the votes in the first round and secure victory, meaning that Logar and Pirc Musar advanced to a second round. Logar previously led after the first vote, but analysts in Slovenia have predicted the tables will turn for a second time as centrist and liberal voters rally behind Pirc Musar. The winner will succeed President Borut Pahor, a centrist who aimed to bridge Slovenia’s left-right political divide during his decade in office. He is not allowed to seek a third term, as rules limit presidents to two five-year terms. The head of state is considered a position of power and influence in Slovenia, although it is largely a ceremonial role. Presidents appoint prime ministers and members of the constitutional court, who are then elected to parliament, and appoint members of the anti-corruption commission. As a prominent lawyer, Pirc Musar represented former US First Lady Melania Trump on copyright and other matters in Slovenia. Pirc Musar has come under fire from critics for her husband’s vast business empire. If she wins on Sunday, she will become the first woman to serve as president since Slovenia became independent amid the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1991. Known as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Pirc Musar said she expected a “battle of values” in the second round and is looking forward to it. Polls opened at 07:00 CET on Sunday morning and will close at 19:00 CET on Sunday afternoon. The official results are expected a few hours later.
