Thailand begins candidate registration for March general election
- The country has been under military rule since a coup in 2014 toppled a Pheu Thai-led civilian government following a period of political instability
Thailand’s Election Commission on Monday began accepting registrations for both constituency and party-list candidates ahead of a general election in March that will end over four years of military rule.
Registration is also open for up to three candidates for prime minister from each party. A new leader will be chosen from among these when the new parliament gathers following the March 24 election.
Although registrations continue across the country until Friday, every major party contesting the lower house election registered its single-seat constituency candidates on the first day, so that lists of candidates to be elected by proportional representation can be submitted later.
The pro-junta Palang Pracharath Party has named Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha as its No. 1 candidate for prime minister, but the junta chief is said to be still considering whether to accept the offer.
The second and third candidates named by the party are party leader Uttama Savanayana and deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak.