BANGKOK, April 22 (NNN-BERNAMA) — The by-elections at six polling stations in five provinces in Thailand ran smoothly on Sunday, however, the voter turnout was below 50 per cent, said the country’s Election Commission (EC).
Election commissioner Lertwiroj Kowattana said the fresh polls were held at six polling stations – two polling stations in Lampang province, and one each in Bangkok, Phitsanulok, Yasothon and Phetchabun, with the number of voters ranging between 400 and about 1,400.
He said the voting process at polling stations which were opened from 8 am to 5 pm (local time) on Sunday yielded ‘zero’ complaints.
“The voter-turnout is about 40 per cent….the low turnout is understandable, as it was (following) a long holiday (after Songkran festival from April 12-16). Furthermore, by-elections always record lower voter-turnout,” he told media Sunday.
On April 4, the EC had ordered fresh polls at six polling stations and vote recounts at two polling stations following inconsistencies between the numbers of ballots cast and registered voters.
On Thursday, the EC also ordered another by-election at one polling station in the southern province of Chumphon and a recount in all polling stations in Nakhon Pathom constituency, in the central province of Thailand.
The much anticipated Thailand General Election was held on March 24, however, the wait for the official result continues, as the EC is expected to announce it on May 9.
— NNN-BERNAMA
