On Sunday, parliamentary elections were under way in Thailand, where the number of eligible voters in the country reached 52 million on abyss of Possibly dethroned current The Prime Minister, Prayuth Chan-o-cha, prof former coup general.
Opinion polls have put the opposition in the lead for months, particularly Pheu Thai party of Paetongtarn Shinawatra. 36-year old businesswoman, who had become mother for the second Once two weeks ago, that is daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
The Progressive Movement Forward Party led by Peta Limjaronrat, 42, recently also made Big gains, especially among young voters.
However, 69-year-old Prayut can remain in power because of A constitutional amendment introduced after 2014 military coup. This states that, together with 500 hadiths elected Legislators, 250 unelected senators will also Decide who Become prime minister.
These have been set before military in 2018 and are loyal to Beirut. If he loses, he will retire politicsPrayuth announced a few days before the election.
For weeks, there has been speculation about possible Coalitions allow the opposition to obtain a majority of 376 votes Even without the senators.
According to observers, Thailand can face protests again If the election of the head of government It does not reflect people’s will. The Bangkok Post wrote that today’s vote will decide whether the Southeast Asian country will “undergo radical change or maintain the status quo”. on Sunday.
Fears of a possible new military coup in getting up of Polls were pacified by army chief Narongpan Jitkayutai.
He said there will be no other military coup under his leadership. people should remove the term from their vocabulary. I have seen the kingdom more More than a dozen coups d’état since the 30s.
Observers expected a huge turnout. Polling stations are scheduled to close at 5 pm (10 am GMT) and are unofficial results It can be known early in the evening. However, it may take days before it is done official effect He is available.
