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Thomas Klestil - the current president may not run again, according to the Austrian Constitution (Photo: European Commission)

Austrians elect new president

Heinz Fischer deputy parliamentary speaker, from the opposition Social Democrats, has come out first in the presidential elections in Austria.

Garnering 52.3 percent of the votes, Mr Fischer beat foreign minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner (47.7%), the conservative candidate.

The race for the position, which is purely ceremonial, became a test of right-wing politician Jörg Haider's popularity after he threw his weight behind Ms Ferrero-Waldner's candidacy.

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Thomas Klestil - the current president may not run again, according to the Austrian Constitution (Photo: European Commission)

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