The Slovak parliament has, for the seventh time, failed to elect a new President, after the only candidate nominated for the post received just thirteen votes.

Slovakia has been without a head of state since President Michal Kovac's term expired in March, with many of his powers being exercised by the Prime Minister, Vladimir Meciar.

Western countries have criticised Mr Meciar's government for its record on democracy, and a BBC correspondent in Bratislava says that opposition parties are concerned that he is using the power vacuum to help him in parliamentary elections in September.

Neither opposition nor government fielded candidates in today's ballot, hoping instead to find a compromise candidate for the next vote in two weeks time.