Austria election: Postal votes to decide presidential race with rival candidates facing dead heat

If elected Norbert Hofer would become the EU’s first far-right head of state

The fate of Austria’s political future will be decided by 700,000 postal votes, with the final results expected on Monday afternoon.

Little separated the two presidential candidates – the right-wing Norbert Hofer and former Green Alexander Van der Bellen – in the direct votes on Sunday, with Mr Hofer narrowly leading 51.9% to 48.1%.

The postal ballots, which make up approximately 13 per cent of the 4.85 million votes, are expected to favour independent candidate Mr Van der Bellen, and final projections put each candidate at 50 per cent.

Last month’s initial presidential elections eliminated the Social Democratic party and People’s Party nominees, meaning the position will not be held by someone nominated by either for the first time since the end of the Second World War It also marked the first time the president has not been decided in the first round of voting since 1992.

The elections illustrate a strong divide in Austrian politics, with Mr Van der Bellen advocating for liberal refugee policies and a stronger, more unified EU, while the Freedom Party’s far-right Eurosceptic candidate Mr Hofer has been calling for closed borders.

Austria’s constitution provides the president with the power to sack the government and dissolve parliament, although the convention is these powers are not really exercised.

However, Mr Van Bellen has said he would not sign in a Freedom Party chancellor, even if they won the next general election.

Meanwhile Mr Hofer has vowed to dismiss Austria’s current coalition government –consisting of the Social Democrats and People’s Party – should they not do a better job.

But political scientists feel whichever candidate is elected they will have to tone down their message if they are to achieve anything, with Professor Peter Filzmaier saying: “If they constantly take positions without being able to enact their views, they will soon have the image of a ranting heckler who cannot accomplish anything politically.”

Professor Anton Pelinka added: “The president can function only if he cooperates with the government. I therefore see any outcome as having major atmospheric but less immediate political significance.”

Press Association contributed to this report.