BANGKOK, Jan 25 (TNA) – The United States and the European Union congratulated Thailand for setting its general election date and urged for open vote campaigns and smooth vote casting.
The reactions followed the royal decree calling for the general election and the Election Commission subsequently setting the election date on March 24.
The US government stated that the United States, as a long-time friend and ally, welcomed the official announcement that Thailand would hold elections on March 24, 2019.
“We look forward to a result that reflects open debate and the will of the Thai people, and to working with Thailand’s future elected government to continue to advance our shared goals of peace and prosperity in the Kingdom of Thailand and the region,” it wrote.
The EU stated that the royal decree and the announcement of March 24 as the election date were important steps towards restoring democracy in Thailand.
“Considering the lifting of restrictions placed on political activities last month as a positive starting point, we look forward to an open and peaceful election campaign, in which the freedom of expression needed for a democratic process is ensured,” it wrote. (TNA)
