FACTBOX: Key facts on Slovenia's presidential candidates

(Reuters) - Following are key facts on the four leading candidates in Slovenia's presidential election on Sunday.

The president, who will lead the country during its presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2008, is elected in a direct vote for a five-year mandate.

There are seven candidates. If no candidate wins more than 50 percent of votes in the first round, the two best-placed candidates will contest a second round on November 11.

LOJZE PETERLE, 59 - A conservative supported by three major parties in the ruling centre-right coalition, Peterle leads in opinion polls. As Slovenia's first prime minister, he led it to independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. Was also foreign minister in 1992-94 and is now a member of the European Parliament. Peterle pledges better cooperation with government and parliament, particularly during Slovenia's presidency of the EU.

DANILO TURK, 55 - Law professor and former diplomat. Independent but supported by two centre-left opposition parties and the pensioners' party, a junior partner in the government coalition. Slovenia's ambassador to the United Nations, Turk went on to become U.N. assistant secretary general for political affairs. Urges Slovenia to take a more active diplomatic role in international issues.

MITJA GASPARI, 55 - Former central bank governor who oversaw Slovenia's smooth adoption of the euro in January but then failed to win parliamentary support for another mandate.

An independent, but enjoys support of the opposition centre-left Liberal Democratic Party. Was finance minister in several centre-left governments. Says Slovenia should focus on improving economic performance and fighting inflation.

ZMAGO JELINCIC, 59 - A right-winger and long-term leader of the Nationalist Party, which has 6 out of 90 seats in parliament but has never joined a government coalition.

Jelincic calls for a tougher stand in bilateral issues with neighbors, particularly Croatia, and says the president should focus on the well-being of Slovenians rather than on global issues.