BANGKOK, 23 January 2014 The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has expressed full readiness for the advance voting scheduled for January 26 but admitted concerns over possible disruptions in some areas of the capital.
As the January 26 absentee balloting is only a week away, Permanent Secretary for the BMA Ninnart Chalitanon said BMA officials are fully prepared to assist the Election Commission in organizing the event across Bangkok. However, she voiced concerns over possible disorder in some areas amidst the currently tense political atmosphere.
Ms Ninnart explained that, with the presence of protesters seeking to have the polls rescheduled, there could be attempts to interrupt the voting process. She disclosed that there was a high possibility that obstructions would be seen in Bang Kapi and Bang Khun Thian districts.
Under such circumstance, the Permanent Secretary encouraged district chiefs or supervisors of the polling booths to use their discretion to take appropriate action to solve the problem at hand. She insisted that the safety of citizens and electoral staff must be prioritized.
