Election officials in Thailand set to release final results on Thursday
The Thai Electoral Commission will release ‘near complete’ results for its March 24 general election today, which will likely be the final results used to determine the next government.
The March 24 vote—Thailand’s first since a 2014 military coup—produced a disappointing result for the ruling military junta as its long-time rival, Pheu Thai, secured a plurality in the House of Representatives.
However, the most shocking result was the emergence of a third party, Future Forward, following the dissolution of the popular Thai Raksa Chart by the constitutional court in March. The new, centre-left, anti-junta party has pledged to join Pheu Thai in a coalition government.
The country remains in a state of dangerous uncertainty as the junta, which has also brought charges of sedition against Future Forward leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, has yet to confirm the results amid allegations of vote-rigging.
The country’s constitution requires the appointive Senate to weigh in on who becomes prime minister, assuring that Prayuth Chan-ocha, head of the junta and current prime minister, will remain in power. Consequently, the military’s influence will remain undiminished. With the election failing to bring about a significant transition, continued polarization between the urban and rural electorate has analysts worried of violent conflict.
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