Today (October 23rd) citizens of Slovenia go to polls to vote in presidential elections.
According to the Slovenian constitution, the president is the highest representative of the state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. However, in practice this office is mostly ceremonial, with limited powers – Slovenia is a parliamentary republic (there were [elections](https://www.reddit.com/r/europe/comments/uaqkzq/2022_slovenian_parliamentary_election/) six months ago), with executive power focused in hands of prime minister.
The president is **directly elected** by universal adult suffrage for a term of **five years**. Winner can hold only two consecutive terms in office, and incumbent [Borut Pahor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borut_Pahor) is ending his second term. If no candidate receives a majority of the votes today (which is very probable), a run-off between the top two will be held in **three** weeks, on November 13th.
There are **seven** candidates, but only three (according to polls) have a chance.
* [Anže Logar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An%C5%BEe_Logar), 46 years old, minister of foreign affairs 2020-22. Candidate of conservative [Slovenian Democratic Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slovenian_Democratic_Party), supported by [People’s Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slovenian_People%27s_Party) (parties which got 27% total in April). Close associate of former PM [Janez Janša](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janez_Jan%C5%A1a), often considered a “little Orban” figure. Likes to hike. 24-32% in recent polls. Expected to win the 1st round.
* [Nataša Pirc Musar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nata%C5%A1a_Pirc_Musar), 54 years old, attorney (formerly also a TV journalist), commissioner for access to public information 2004-14, president of the Slovenian Red Cross 2015-16. Independent candidate, endorsed by former presidents Milan Kučan and Danilo Türk, supported by [Pirates](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pirate_Party_(Slovenia)). 20-21% in polls.
* [Milan Brglez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milan_Brglez), 55 years old, political scientist (international relations), speaker of the National Assembly in 2014-18 term, MEP currently. Candidate of [Social Democrats](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Democrats_(Slovenia)), supported by [Freedom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_Movement_(Slovenia)) (41.2% total in April). Centre-left, pro-EU. President of national chess association. 11-19% in polls.
* Vladimir Prebilič, 48 years old, historian, professor in defense studies, mayor of Kočevje municipality since 2010. Candidate of [Spring](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vesna_%E2%80%93_Green_Party) (1.4% in April). 3-11% in polls.
* Janez Cigler Kralj, 43 years old, political scientist, MP, minister of labour 2020–22. Candidate of [N.Si](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Slovenia) (6.9% in April). 4-7% in polls.
* Sabina Senčar, 52 years old, gynaecologist, anti-vacc activist. Candidate of covidiot [Resni.ca](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resni.ca), supported by For the People (3.6% total in April). 3-7% in polls.
* Miha Kordiš, 33 years old, graduate of philosophy, MP. Candidate of the left-wing [Left](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Left_(Slovenia)) (4.5% in April). 2-5% in polls.
Turnout in last (2017) elections was 44 (1st round) and 44 (2nd) %.