In Thailand today, the first elections started since the military junta of general Prayut Chan-o-cha in 2014, via a coup came to power. At the polling stations, were already long queues. The first results are today expected.
The Thai army seized five years ago the power, after months of large-scale demonstrations against the populist government of prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra. The promise was to restore order and the political division, then the democracy in glory.
The elections were, however, five times postponed. The last date that was killed was 24 February. That led to a number of smaller protests, and the use of the hashtag #DelayMyAss on social media. At the end of January was announced by the Thai electoral commission that the long-awaited elections on Sunday, 24 march would continue.
The elections have to return the country to democratic governance, but the new constitution that, in 2016, a referendum was approved, it favours the army considerably. He states that the 250 senators be appointed by the army. Together with the 500 members of parliament in the house of Commons they have, as the first task after the elections for a new prime minister designate.
With a Senate full of legergetrouwen the chances are that Prayut Chan-o-cha, which in the elections, joined with the newly established party Phalang Pracharat, again premier.
The recent polls predict that the party Pheu Thai a majority will be achieved in the house of Commons, but not enough to form a government.
