Voting Saturday in Slovakia, Sunday in Moldova, Macedonia

Slovaks are voting Saturday in a presidential run-off election between the popular incumbent and a strong opposition challenger.

President Ivan Gasparovic won nearly 47 percent of vote in the first round of elections last month. He now faces the top opposition candidate, sociologist and former social affairs minister Iveta Radicova, who received 38 percent. Radicova is the country’s first female candidate. 

Meanwhile, parliamentary elections are set for Sunday in the former Soviet republic of Moldova. Polls indicate the dominant Community party of outgoing President Vladimir Veronin is ahead.

Also, Macedonia will have a second round of voting Sunday for choosing a new president. Conservative Gjorgje Ivanov, who represents the country’s largest party (VMRO-DPMNE), emerged as the leading candidate in the first round two weeks ago. He faces Social Democrat Party candidate Ljubomir Frckovski.