Czech right-wing dominates election for upper house

By Jan Lopatka

PRAGUE, Oct 22 (Reuters) - The right-wing Civic Democrats dominated the first round of Czech elections for the upper house Senate, results showed on Sunday, boosting Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek and his calls for an early vote for a new parliament.

The election is a test of strength for the Civic Democrats and the rival leftist Social Democrats, who have been in a power struggle since inconclusive parliamentary elections in June.

One third of the 81 Senate seats are being contested.

Complete results for the Friday-Saturday vote showed Civic Democrats advanced to a run-off next weekend in 26 out of the 27 contested districts.

The Social Democrats have seven seats in the Senate and are defending just one of those seats in this election. They will field 11 candidates in the run-off and could make a substantial increase in their Senate seats.

A strong showing in the second round by the Civic Democrats could give them an overall majority in the Senate, where they now have 37 of the 81 seats.

If the two parties dominate the run-off, they could have a three-fifths Senate majority and make constitutional changes, such as electoral reforms that would strengthen them at the expense of smaller rivals.

Despite their rivalry, the two parties have suggested such changes in the past, although the Civic Democrats have lately spoken against such a deal.

Social Democrat chief Jiri Paroubek called on Saturday for all parties to unite against the Civic Democrats in the run-off, saying: "We are ready to support all candidates of all parties against the Civic Democrat candidates".

A stronger right-wing presence in the Senate would raise the chances of right-wing President Vaclav Klaus winning re-election by parliament in 2008.

Topolanek needs a strong victory to defend his party chairmanship at a congress in November and, after his cabinet lost a confidence vote this month, he has been trying to rally support among other parties for early election next spring.

The Social Democrats have instead offered a grand coalition, which the Civic Democrats have rejected.

Parties are expected to resume talks on forming a new government, and early polls, after the second round of the Senate vote.

The Civic Democrats also dominated municipal elections held simultaneously with the Senate vote. ((Editing by Stephen Weeks; prague.newsroom@reuters.com; Reuters Messaging: jan.lopatka.reuters.com@reuters.net; +420-224 190 474))

Keywords: CZECH ELECTION