A pro-Western career diplomat faces an ally of the populist premier in Slovakia's presidential vote

A pro-Western career diplomat and a close ally of Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico are facing each other in a presidential runoff on Saturday to determine who will be the next head of state.

Former Foreign Minister Ivan Korčok is up against Peter Pellegrini, who heads a coalition party in Fico’s government, in the vote for the largely ceremonial post as president of the nation of 5.4 million.

A victory for Pellegrini, who currently serves as speaker, would cement Fico’s power by giving him and his allies control of major strategic posts.