18 June 2010

COLOMBIA: Will World Cup Matches Affect Presidential Voting?

REUTERS/     Presidential candidate Juan Manuel Santos' huge lead in the polls may cause some voters to skip the vote and watch World Cup matches instead on 20 June. "The World Cup is very important, but we have many days to watch the matches. I ask my compatriots to sacrifice the games just for a moment and get out to vote," current President Uribe stated.
     Nearly 50% of 30 million eligible voters cast ballots during the May 30 first round presidential poll, but analysts say that figure could drop by 8% to 10% because of Santos's lead and the World Cup.
    Voters must choose between Brasil versus Ivory Coast at 1330 and Italy against New Zealand at 0900 or voting.