Polls open in Thailand with three main parties vying for power
Al Jazeera
No single party is expected to secure a clear majority in Sunday’s vote, raising the spectre of political instability.
Polls have opened in Thailand in a closely watched general election, with progressive reformers, military-backed conservatives and populist forces vying for control.
Polling stations opened at 8am local time (01:00 GMT) on Sunday and are set to close at 5pm (10:00 GMT).
More than 2.2 million voters had already cast ballots during an early voting period that began on February 1, according to the Election Commission.
The battle for support from Thailand’s 53 million registered voters comes against a backdrop of slow economic growth and heightened nationalist sentiment.
While more than 50 parties are contesting the polls, only three – the People’s Party, Bhumjaithai, and Pheu Thai – have the nationwide organisation and popularity to gain a winning mandate.
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