Gasparovic unfazed by low turnout in regional vote

The low turnout (18 percent) in the Higher Territorial Unit regional elections on Saturday did not surprise President Ivan Gasparovic, who told reporters on Sunday that this was predictable. Gasparovic put the low level of participation in the elections down to the public's displeasure at political squabbles and bickering. In addition, according to the president, political parties putting up candidates did not pay due attention to the electorate. Gasparovic suggested that people were not aware that, during the new electoral term, state powers will be devolved to the regions. He also claimed that the electorate did not know individual candidates, and made their choices according to the candidates' party affiliations.