Thailand’s general election, which was held on Sunday, faced street protests in different areas especially in Bangkok, the country’s capital. Voting has been closed but was disrupted after anti-government protesters blocked ballot boxes and residents who wanted to vote, in their attempt to stop the elections. Thousands of local policemen were deployed in critical areas, which were believed to be a very small fraction of the country.
Violence erupted on Saturday, where at least six people in Laksi, a Bangkok district, were injured during a gun-fight between the supporters of both sides. No casualties were reported, unlike in earlier protests that started in November of last year. There are nearly 49 million voters in Thailand, out of the current estimated population of 66 million.
The Thais voted for the new House of Representatives, having to choose between Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s political party (Pheu Thai) and the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) led by Suthep Thaugsuban, a former deputy prime minister. Yingluck is the younger sister of Thaksin Shinawatra, the Prime Minister from 2001 to 2006, when he was removed from power following a coup. Protesters said they believed that Yingluck is simply a puppet of Thaksin, who is now in self-imposed exile.
“I would like to thank all Thai people who help to maintain democracy. The election today finished peacefully. There might be some problem in some areas, but overall there is no violence to concern people. Thanks to everybody who helped to maintain democracy,” the incumbent prime minister told local reporters after casting her vote in a precinct near her residence in northern Bangkok.
Some 87,000 Laksi voters were unable to cast their votes, National Security Chief Paradorn Pattanathabutr said when interviewed by CNN. Around 11% of the country’s total number of precincts suffered from failed elections, Election Commission chairman Supachai Somcharoen announced. As of the time of posting, no official results have been announced. Further elections for those who have not cast their votes will be held on February 23.
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