Czech citizens abroad show low interest in election

Czech citizens living abroad who wish to cast their votes in this year's parliamentary elections have to register at Czech embassies and consulates by Sunday, May 5th. Embassy officials say that only a few hundred people have registered so far and no major changes are expected by Sunday. The largest number of Czechs has registered in neighbouring Slovakia where just 200 people wish to vote. Czech diplomats agree that people are less interested in this year's general election than Czech authorities expected. According to unofficial estimates there are about 70,000 Czech citizens living abroad and many have criticised the fact that they have to travel to distant embassies rather than cast their votes by post.