Zeman favorite to win 2nd term in Czech presidential vote

The Czech Republic's controversy-courting president is seeking re-election this month in what will be the country's second election in which voters, instead of lawmakers, pick the person to fill the office.

Milos Zeman was elected to the largely ceremonial post in 2013 during the country's first direct presidential vote, a victory that returned the former left-leaning prime minister to power. In office, he's become known for strong anti-migrant rhetoric that united him with the populist right, and he has divided the nation with his pro-Russian stance and support for closer ties with China.

He was one of the few European leaders to endorse Donald Trump's bid for the White House, and has voiced support for Trump's plan to move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Zeman, 73, is a favorite to win the election's first round vote on Friday and Saturday.

If no candidate achieves a majority during the vote, the top two finishers will face each other in a runoff in two weeks' time.

The previous two presidents, Vaclav Havel and Vaclav Klaus, were elected by lawmakers.

(AP)