PRAGUE – President Petr Pavel will not participate in the local council elections in Černouček, near Litoměřice, next week. The reason is a private trip abroad that coincides with the election date. This information was released today by the communication department of the Office of the President of the Republic. The president described this as a planning error.
Petr Pavel has his permanent residence in Černouček and has publicly expressed interest in local affairs in the past. His absence from this year's elections is due to a pre-planned private trip abroad, according to the presidential office. The office also stated that the president will not be able to cast his vote due to the trip. Information about the foreign trip also appeared on social media. Motor racing driver Martin Prokop posted on his Facebook profile tonight that he met with the president during a rally visit in Morocco. His post included a photo with Petr Pavel.
The President's absence from Černouček comes at a time when local council elections are being held in the municipality. The President's participation in the elections would be a normal part of his civic rights and responsibilities, given his permanent residence in the municipality. However, this time he will have to miss the vote. The Office of the President of the Republic emphasized that this is a private trip. Details about its itinerary or other information about the president's stay abroad have not yet been released. However, from a photo posted by Martin Prokop, it is clear that Petr Pavel visited a motorsport event in Morocco during his trip.
Press release from the press center of the Office of President Petr Pavel, on the website of Prague Castle.
The incident also highlighted the practical aspects of exercising the right to vote. The President of the Republic, like all other citizens, is entitled to participate in elections at the location where he meets the legal requirements. However, if he is outside the country during the voting period, he cannot cast his vote in local elections through postal voting. The presidential office informed the public primarily about the reason why Petr Pavel will not be personally present at this year's election in Černouček. According to their statement, the president acknowledged his planning error and regrets not being able to participate in the elections. Therefore, the election will take place without him in the municipality.