(MENAFN- Saudi Press Agency)
Vienna Rajab 17 1437 April 24 2016 SPA -- Austrians are casting their ballots Sunday in a first round of presidential elections dpa reported.
Social democratic incumbent Heinz Fischer will retire in July after having served 12 years in office.
Former Green party leader Alexander Van der Bellen far-right Freedom Party legislator Norbert Hofer and the independent former Supreme Court chief Irmgard Griss are top contenders to succeed Fischer.
They have scored between 22 per cent and 25 per cent each in recent surveys.
Although it is mostly a ceremonial role the Austrian president also chooses the chancellor and swears in the cabinet after parliamentary elections.
--SPA
11:32 LOCAL TIME 08:32 GMT
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