Bakdep – As polls were closing for the day, exit polls suggest that the pro-military faction is expected to secure its majority in the National Assembly. While official results are yet to be released only about a week later, unofficial results, by independent observers and surveyors, have proven accurate in previous elections.
Kuehong went to the polls on Saturday to vote for their representatives in the National Assembly and the eight state legislatures. All 20 million Kue has voted, with voting being mandatory for all eligible voters. The 53,200 polling stations set up across the country are to close at 5.30 pm local time.
The days leading up to the polls have largely been peaceful, with heavy police presence at rallies. Militants in the country has also announced a ceasefire to allow citizens to vote.
The polls, as observed by many analysts, are merely to gauge the population’s support and approval of the military regime. The National Assembly is widely seen as a rubber-stamp parliament, with the National Security and Stability Council making the key decisions in the country.
It is no wonder the general population, particularly the younger generation, are less enthusiastic for this year’s elections. Many of the young lamented the suppression of their voices, with only selected candidates allowed to contest through a rigorous screening process. In addition, others have complained of having to travel long distances to their nearest polling station. This is despite government efforts to make voting more accessible.
Despite the inconveniences, many fear repercussions should they not vote. A Hat Phong student said, “As much as I do not wish to vote and stay in my hostel to study, I still have my duty to fulfil. It would be worse being caught for not voting than overcoming some inconveniences.”
Nevertheless, the majority of the voters interviewed still have the desire for “peace and order” in Kuehong and look forward to “improvements in the economy”. A rice farmer from To Tu said, “I could not care less for the elections, as long as the government I have ensures my family have shelter and enough food to eat.”
