Political newcomer Andrej Kiska was the surprise winner of Slovakia’s presidential elections on 29 March. In the second balloting, the businessman-turned-philanthropist was elected with 59.4% of the vote.

Kiska will thus be the fourth president of the country since the split of Czechoslovakia. “In a little while, I will become the new president. I will be the president of all, I will stand behind every honest Slovak," Kiska announced after his victory. “This is a great commitment."

The election was a close run-off between Kiska and current Prime Minister Roberto Fico, who achieved 40.6% in the second round. In the first round of the elections on March 15, both of these politicians had beaten 12 other candidates.

With 28% for Fico, head of Slovakia's dominant left-wing SMER (Social Democratic) party, and 24% for Kiska, a final ballot had to be held as neither candidate gained the necessary 50%. Political experts attributed Kiska’s landslide victory to people’s fears that Fico and his left-wing Party could gain too much power.