BANGKOK: (Bernama) The unofficial results for Thailand’s general elections and referendum are expected to be known late Sunday (Feb 8), the Election Commision of Thailand (ECT) said.
ECT Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee said polling stations nationwide will be closed at 5pm local time, with the first unofficial results expected to be received from about 6pm onwards.
"Votes will continue to come in progressively, and by around 10 pm to 11 pm, the overall picture should be fairly clear,” he told reporters on Sunday.
He said voting have proceeded smoothly throughout Sunday morning while higher voter turnout were expected in the afternoon.
An estimated 52.9 million Thais are eligible to cast their ballots to elect 500 members of the House of Representatives and to vote in a referendum on drafting of a new constitution.
Meanwhile, Thai media reported that caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had voted in Buri Ram province, the stronghold of his Bhumjaithai Party, while several other party leaders voted in Bangkok.
People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and Pheu Thai prime ministerial candidate Yodchanan Wongsawat were reported to be among early voters at their respective constituencies after polling centres opened nationwide at 8am. - Bernama
