Fiesta Mama said:
On my last visit (in March), I witnessed many political parades (mostly for Hipo). Do you think most of the people involved in these "parades" actually vote or are they just jumping on the bandwagon to be part of what is going on? Also, is the reason there is not a high voter turnout because people are not educated about the fact that their vote counts to make a change or is it because they think their vote will not make any difference because the voting is corrupt to start with so why bother, OR is it because they just can't be bothered to go and vote? Just curious.
You are right on the money with the assumption that many of the people you see in the parades are just in for the ride. You can see the same individuals participating in demonstrations from several parties.
The reason that they aren't expecting a high voter turnout is because the party that holds the populist vote, the PRD, has disilusioned its people to the point that they don't want to bother. You can hear the defeat in their voices when they speak about the elections.. The hard core PRD can't bring themselves to vote against their party, but they can't cotinue to support the current admisnitration. As for those who support the other candidates, they are quite enthusiastic about voting.
What worries me about this particular election is the high probability (or should I say certainty?) of foul play and the consequences it may bring. The word on the street is that there will either be some violence involved or a massive emigration; either of which would be devastating to an already crippled economy. Then again, people are always predicting doomsday around here. For all we know, all that will run through the streets will be Brugal both from the ones celebrating and the ones drowning their sorrows.
I was advised today to lay low on Monday, fill up my gas tank and stock up on groceries as prices will supposedly rise as of Monday regardless of the outcome.
I'll just make sure to get my vote in early and go hang out at the Junta to get the gossip as it comes in.