Dano Becomes Presidential Candidate, Obtains 16 Signatures from MPs

Bratislava, January 24 (TASR) - Martin Dano, who considers himself a journalist, has become an official presidential candidate, TASR learnt from Chair of Parliament's spokesperson Tomas Kostelnik on the same day. Dano presented sixteen signatures from MPs to the Chair of Parliament Andrej Danko (Slovak National Party/SNS) and Danko accepted Dano's candidacy. A candidate has to obtain 15,000 signatures from the public or 15 signatures from MPs in order to be eligible to run for president. The following MPs supported Dano with their signature: Boris Kollar, Peter Pcolinsky, Petra Kristufkova, Zuzana Sebova, Ludovit Goga, Peter Starchon (all We're Family), Dusan Caplovic, Jan Podmanicky, Maros Kondrot (all Smer-SD), Peter Pamula (SNS), Eduard Adamcik (Most-Hid), Peter Marcek, Alena Basistova, Martina Simkovicova, Rastislav Holubek and Juraj Kolesar (all Independent). The first round of the presidential election will be held on March 16, with a possible second round, if the head of state isn't elected in the first one, slated to take place on March 30. Candidates for the presidential post can submit their bids until January 31. zel/mcs