Despite the flood disaster in the east of the country, two-day elections for the Senate and regional assemblies begin in the Czech Republic on Friday. New assemblies will be elected in 13 regions, excluding the capital Prague, which has a special status. The vote is considered a barometer of the public mood ahead of elections next year for the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of parliament, which in turn will determine the next government. The regions manage schools, hospitals and care homes and distribute EU subsidies. The polling stations are open from 2 pm (1200 GMT) on Friday and also …