Czech Republic Holds Pivotal General Election Amidst Tight Race and Coalition Uncertainties

Voting Underway Across the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is currently holding its general election, with polling stations open on Friday, October 3, and Saturday, October 4, 2025. Citizens are electing 200 members to the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of the Czech Parliament. Voting commenced on Friday afternoon, running until 10 p.m., and resumed on Saturday morning from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Preliminary results are anticipated by Saturday evening.

This election is widely regarded as pivotal, with implications for the country's future direction, particularly concerning its stance within the European Union and NATO.

Key Contenders and Electoral Landscape

Opinion polls consistently show the populist ANO party, led by former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, in the lead. Recent surveys indicate ANO garnering over 30% of the support, with some polls placing them at 32%. Babiš, a self-described 'Trumpist,' has campaigned on promises of tax cuts, wage increases, and a 'Czechs first' approach, while advocating for EU reform, restricting immigration, and criticizing the EU's Green Deal and Migration Pact.

The incumbent Spolu (Together) coalition, a pro-Western and pro-Ukraine bloc led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala, is polling around 20-21%. Spolu, comprising the Civic Democrats (ODS), TOP 09, and Christian Democrats (KDU-ČSL), has focused its campaign on NATO defense commitments and maintaining the Czech Republic's stability within the EU.

Other significant parties vying for seats in the 200-member Chamber of Deputies include:

• Mayors and Independents (STAN): A liberal, centrist, pro-EU party, polling around 11-12%.
• Pirate Party: A pro-European party, with support ranging from 9% to 11%.
• Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD): A far-right, anti-EU, and anti-NATO party, polling between 10% and 13%.
• Stačilo! (Enough): A left-wing movement critical of NATO and EU membership, polling around 7-8.7%.
• Motorists for Themselves: A right-wing Eurosceptic party, polling between 5% and 7%.

Electoral System and Coalition Challenges

The Czech Republic employs a proportional representation system for its parliamentary elections, with parties needing to surpass specific thresholds to enter the Chamber of Deputies: 5% for a single party, 8% for two-party alliances, and 11% for coalitions of three or more parties. The country is divided into 14 electoral districts.

Analysts predict that no single party is likely to secure an outright majority, making the formation of a new government highly dependent on complex post-election coalition negotiations. The Spolu coalition, STAN, and the Pirate Party have previously indicated an unwillingness to cooperate with ANO, Stačilo!, or SPD. Furthermore, President Petr Pavel has stated his reservation about appointing ministers who advocate for leaving the EU or NATO, or far-left/far-right MPs to sensitive security or foreign affairs portfolios.

Key Issues and Voter Participation

The election campaign has largely revolved around critical issues such as the economy, inflation, foreign policy, and defense spending. Debates have also focused on the Czech Republic's relationship with the European Union, including the Green Deal and the Migration Pact, as well as continued support for Ukraine.

Voter turnout is projected to be between 58% and 65%, consistent with past elections. A notable change in this election is the introduction of postal voting for Czech citizens residing abroad, marking a significant update to the electoral process.