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The former general wins the presidential election in the Czech Republic, who is Petr Pavel

The former general wins the presidential election in the Czech Republic, who is

Former army general Petr Pavel has won the race to become the new president of the Czech Republic, defeating billionaire Andrej Babis in a runoff on Saturday.

The 61-year-old won more than 58 percent of the vote in all polling areas where the votes ended up being counted. Babis, a former prime minister and polarizing figure in Czech politics, conceded defeat and offered congratulations to Pavel.

Pavel, a former chairman of NATO's military committee, will replace controversial President Milos Zeman.

"I would like to thank those who voted for me and also those who did not vote but came to the polls, because they made it clear that they respect democracy and care about this country," Pavel said after the results showed his victory.

Pavel has shown his support for the country to provide military and humanitarian support to Ukraine amid its war with Russia. He has strongly supported the European Union and NATO and has seen the future of the Czech Republic tied to their membership.

The election went to a second-round runoff between Pavel and Babis because none of the eight initial candidates received an absolute majority in the first round of voting two weeks ago.

Source: AL Jazzera

 

 

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