"BANGKOK Vote counting was underway in Thailand's early general election on Sunday, seen as a three-way race among competing visions of progressive, populist and old-fashioned patronage politics. The battle for support from 53 million registered voters comes against a backdrop of slow economic growth and heightened nationalist sentiment. While more than 50 parties are contesting the polls, only three the People's Party, Bhumjaithai, and Pheu Thai have the nationwide organization and popularity to gain a winning mandate."
"A simple majority of the 500 elected lawmakers selects the next prime minister. No outright winner expected Local polls consistently project that no single party will gain a majority, necessitating the formation of a coalition government. Although the progressive People's Party is seen as favored to win a plurality, its reformist politics aren't shared by its leading rivals, which may freeze it out by joining forces to form a government."
Vote counting proceeded in Thailand's early general election framed as a three-way contest among progressive, populist and patronage-based forces. The campaign targets 53 million registered voters amid slow economic growth and rising nationalist sentiment. More than 50 parties contested nationwide, but only the People's Party, Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai possess the organization and popularity to win broad support. A simple majority of 500 elected lawmakers selects the next prime minister, and local polls predict no single party will gain a majority, making coalition formation likely. The People's Party promises sweeping military, police and judiciary reforms while shifting emphasis toward economic issues.
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