VIENNA, October 9 – Novosti. In Austria, presidential elections have started.
Polling stations in each of the nine federal states have reopened in accordance with local law. All of them will work until 17:00 local time (18:00 Moscow time).
Seven candidates are running for the presidency. Of these, according to opinion polls, the current president, 78-year-old Alexander Van der Bellen , has the best chances . According to various sources, more than 50 percent of voters are ready to vote for him, that is, he can win in the first round.
If no candidate wins an absolute majority of votes, a second round of elections will be held.
The President of Austria is elected every six years. Any citizen of Austria who has the right to vote and has reached the age of 35 can become the head of state. Re-election of the incumbent leader for a second term is allowed once.
The head of state performs primarily representative functions, and also appoints the chancellor and, at his suggestion, ministers and members of the cabinet. In addition, he has the right to dismiss the government and dissolve parliament, and is also the Supreme Commander. The president can be removed from office by a national referendum.
