President Petr Pavel has officially declared Friday, June 7th, and Saturday, June 8th as the scheduled dates for this year’s European Parliament elections in the Czech Republic. This announcement, made through the Presidential Office communications department, comes after careful consideration of both European-level agreements and Czech electoral laws governing the selection of election dates.

The decision, although ultimately made by President Pavel, was constrained by pre-existing agreements regarding the timing of European elections and by the regulations outlined in Czech electoral law. Per protocol, Prime Minister Petr Fiala will co-sign the declaration, which will be formalized upon publication in the Law Digest. This declaration will mark the commencement of the election campaign, prompting political parties to register with the supervisory authority and establish dedicated election accounts within the stipulated five-day window.

President Pavel’s declaration adheres to the requirement of announcing the election date at least 90 days prior to the scheduled voting day, ensuring adequate preparation and organization. The chosen dates fall within the timeframe stipulated for the European Union member states, allowing Czech voters to participate in the selection of new Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) between June 6th and June 9th.

This year’s elections hold particular significance as they represent the first EU-wide electoral event since the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union. With 720 parliamentary seats up for contention, an increase of 15 seats from the previous term, the elections respond to demographic shifts within the EU. However, the allocation of MEPs for the Czech Republic remains unchanged at 21 seats.

Key political figures and parties have already begun preparations for the upcoming elections. MEP Alexandr Vondra leads the candidate list for the Spolu coalition, comprising ODS, Christian Democrats, and TOP 09. Meanwhile, the Pirates and the Mayors and Independents (STAN) will run independently, fielding candidates led by MEP Marcel Kolaja and economists Danuse Nerudova and Jan Farsky, respectively.

ANO, led by Klara Dostalova, former minister for regional development, will also participate in the elections, alongside the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party, led by former MEP Petr Mach. Reflecting on the 2019 elections, ANO emerged as the leading party, securing six out of the 21 Czech seats, followed closely by ODS and other prominent contenders.

As the electoral landscape takes shape, anticipation builds for the democratic exercise that will shape the Czech Republic’s representation in the European Parliament and contribute to the broader dynamics of EU governance.

Article by Prague Forum