Thailands polls set to determine countrys next government lineup

Thailand’s General Election Sees Uncertainty Ahead

Polling stations in Thailand opened on Sunday for the country’s general election, with over 2.2 million voters having already cast ballots during an early voting period. More than 50 parties are contesting the polls, but only three – the People’s Party, Bhumjaithai, and Pheu Thai – have a nationwide organization and popularity to gain a winning mandate.

The election comes against a backdrop of slow economic growth and heightened nationalist sentiment. The battle for support from Thailand’s 53 million registered voters is expected to be intense. With 500 parliamentary seats at stake, coalition negotiations appear inevitable.

The People’s Party, led by Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, is favored to win the most seats due to its reformist platform. However, this platform has been met with skepticism from its rivals, who may form a government in opposition. The Bhumjaithai, headed by caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, is seen as the preferred choice of the royalist-military establishment.

Pheu Thai represents the latest incarnation of political movements backed by jailed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and has campaigned on economic revival and populist policies. The party’s lead candidate for prime minister is Yodchanan Wongsawat, Thaksin’s nephew.

In addition to the general election, voters will also be asked to decide whether Thailand should replace its 2017 military-drafted constitution. A referendum on this issue has been included in the voting process.

Source: Al Jazeera