Czech voters head to the polls for local and Senate elections

Czech citizens head to the polls in local and Senate elections testing the government's popularity.

Citizens across the Czech Republic cast ballots in local contests and partial Senate renewals. The races serve as an important popularity test for the government led by billionaire populist Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. Results will determine the balance of power in the 81-seat upper house of parliament.

• The stakesVoters are deciding the composition of local councils and contesting a portion of the 81 seats in the upper house of parliament.
• The political contextThe electoral test arrives as the ruling administration attempts to secure legislative gains and gauge public sentiment.