NAKHON PATHOM, Oct 23 (TNA) – Voters cast their votes in
a by-election of Nakhon Pathom province’s Constituency 5 on Wednesday with
seven parties contesting for the seat previously held by the opposition Future
Forward Party (FFP).
FFP’s Jumpita Chandarakachorn, who won the seat in the March
24 general election, resigned in September after suffering injuries in an
accident.
Election officials expect 70 percent turnout at 193 polling
stations which are opened from 8 am to 5 pm.
There have been five complaints over irregularities pending
investigations, said Boonruen Thaiwattanatham, head of the provincial election
commission.
Preliminary results are expected by midnight while official
results will be announced on October 28, the Election Commission earlier said.
The by-election considered by some as a referendum on the
government. After the FFP’s surprise and
decisive win in March, the party has filled Jumpita’s husband, Pairatthachote,
in hope of retaining the seat.
FFP leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit said in the
campaign that a vote for the FFP would be a vote of no-confidence in Prime
Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his government.
Two main coalition parties the Democrat Party and
Chartthaipattana Party contest in the by-election, hoping to strengthen the
coalition.(TNA)
