BANGKOK, Dec 10 – Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) today said it is ready for the upcoming election which is expected to cost around Bt3.8 billion (about US$117 million).
EC secretary-general Puchong Nuttrawong said the agency is well prepared for the Senate election in terms of election process, staff and all equipment, and that can be adjusted to the Feb 2 election of the lower House.
Mr Puchong noted that Bt3.8 billion is needed to hold the general election nationwide as the number of polling stations and eligible voters has increased this time.
The poll agency chief said he is unworried by the ongoing political tension, but emphasised that the EC has strictly followed the rule of law and remained impartial.
He expressed confidence that the Election Commission will be able to conduct a free and fair election.
The secretary-general said the EC plans to set dates of constituency MP candidacy registration between Dec 23-27, and for party-list MPs between Dec 28 and Jan 1.
Advance polling is scheduled for Jan 26.
He said 48 million Thais are expected to cast ballots on Feb 2.
