The FINANCIAL — Austrians will line up to cast their ballot in presidential elections on April 25, with opinion polls placing incumbent president Heinz Fischer far ahead his election rivals, RIA Novosti informed.
Despite having large constitutional powers, Austrian president in fact acts mainly as a ceremonial figurehead.
Along with Fischer, two candidates are running for the post – Barbara Rosenkranz, an outspoken leader of the far-right Austrian Freedom Party, and Rudolf Gehring of the recently formed tiny Austrian Christian Party.
Rosenkranz, who is married to a man who belonged to a banned extreme right-wing party, is widely known for her criticism of the country's strict anti-Nazi legislation.
At the moment, 6.4 million Austrians are entitled to cast their ballot in the elections. Since the 2004 elections, their number has risen by 325,000, mainly due to the legislation amendment which gives 16-year-olds the right to vote.
There is no minimum turnout threshold.
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