ID :
315935
Sun, 02/02/2014 - 06:17
Auther :

Thai PM Urges Voters to Cast Votes; Election Atmosphere Sluggish

BANGKOK, February 2 (TNA) – Thailand’s Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has urged eligible voters to exercise rights on Sunday’s general election while general atmosphere is inactive, especially in Bangkok and the South. Speaking briefly to journalists after casting her vote in Bangkok outskirts, Miss Yingluck invited people to cast their votes in order to preserve their rights and democratic system in the country. However, she declined to comment on other political issues, including an ongoing opposition to the election by anti-government protesters of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC). Security measures around polling stations including at Miss Yingluck’s residence are tight on fears of bloody violence between those who support the government and the election and the PDRC protesters. On Saturday afternoon, at least six people, including one Thai and one foreign journalist, were wounded following a bloody clash between the pro-government group of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship and the PDRC demonstrators in Bangkok’s Lak Si district. In another development, Election Commission (EC) chairman Supachai Somcharoen arrived at a polling station in Bangkok’s neighbouring province of Nonthaburi and casted vote. Mr. Supachai told journalists that security officials manning booths should exercise restraints and negotiate with anti-government protesters who block polling stations and prevent voters from exercising rights. He urged them to refrain from using violence against the protesters. Another ugly incident was reported early Sunday when Chuwit Kamolvisit, leader of Rak Prathet Thai Party, was obstructed by a group of about 10 men from casting vote just after he left his house. Mr. Chuwit and his party are contesting in the election. Mr. Chuwit and his guards traded punches with those unidentified men. He returned to his house but vowed that he would definitely exercise his election rights before the station closes at 3.00 p.m. local (0800 GMT). (TNA)

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