Czech Senate paves way for early elections in October

Czech Senate paves way for early elections in October Prague - The Czech parliament's upper house Thursday passed a bill that enabling early elections this October, following the collapse of the government in March.

A caretaker coalition government of Civic Democrats, Greens and Social Democrats has ruled in Prague since then.

The collapse of the government proved a severe embarrassment, as the Czech Republic is currently hosting the rotating European Union presidency.

The interim cabinet, led by Prime Minister Jan Fischer, took over on May 8. The regular polls were originally scheduled for mid-2010.

On Thursday, the Senate voted 56-8 to dissolve the lower house on the day of the early elections due to take place before October 15.

The vote required the majority of 43 lawmakers. Seven senators abstained and 10 were not present. The lower house approved the bill on May 13. (dpa)