Election Fever

Well, the other day walking through the market was even more interesting, if that's the right word. First we passed by one of the local schools and noticed quite a large gathering in front of it. Was it a graduation ceremony? People were carrying flags and there were loud voices. It turned out to be the gearing up of what looked like a parade. Then we noticed the flags had hammer-and-sickle pictures on them. As we continued walking, the parade of people began following down the street. Further on, we heard more loud voices and saw an even huger gathering in a large square. Someone was speaking through a megaphone and there was music playing. More hammer-and-sickle flags. Ah, the preamble to the election. Loud persuasive speeches, nice inviting music, people handing out pamphlets - all to influence the people to vote in the Maoists in about a month. If they win a majority, it won't be like eastern Europe which succumbed to the Russian army; it'll be democratically voted in. I guess we'll be here to see the results ...