Local elections were held yesterday, and the main pro-communist party won 14 out of 23 districts. The main anti-communist party, which had long prided itself on its incorruptibility, was hurt at the polls by a number of scandals. It won only 6 districts.
What this means for the future is difficult to discern. In the short run, the pro-communists on the national level are likely to view this as a mandate for more of the same: closer relations with China and continued stalling of the special arms bill. In the longer term, if they push their policies too far, they may face rejection by the electorate.
For now though, the pro-communist parties are feeling their oats, as well they should. They won, and they won big.