Politics Elections have begun in the Czech Republic despite the consequences of flooding

Despite the flood disaster in the east of the country, two-day regional and senate elections have begun in the Czech Republic. New assemblies will be elected in 13 regions with the exception of the capital Prague, which has special status.

The vote is seen as a test of public support for the liberal-conservative governing parties ahead of next year's parliamentary elections. The regions - known as "kraj" in Czech - run schools, hospitals and retirement homes and distribute EU subsidies.

In addition, as is the case every two years, members of the Senate are elected in a third of the electoral districts. As a rule, a run-off election is held one week later. The upper house of parliament has a say in legislation and can prevent amendments to the constitution. Polling stations opened on Friday at 2.00 pm. Citizens can still cast their vote on Saturday.

Still no electricity in some places

Calls for the elections to be postponed had been heard from the towns and municipalities most affected by the floods. The government of Prime Minister Petr Fiala rejected this because such a decision could be legally challenged and it was too late for that. In some places there was still no electricity, roads were closed and bridges were damaged. In some cases, the fire departments had to drive around with so-called "mobile ballot boxes". Nevertheless, voter turnout could be lower than usual. "I think people have completely different concerns right now", said one mayor on the radio.

SDA