Officials wary of rain for Don Muang poll

Officials wary of rain for Don Muang poll

The Election Commission is hoping for a voter turnout of 60% in Sunday's by-election in Don Muang and expects to announce the unofficial result by 7pm, according to commissioner Prapan Naikowit.

The very top political figures have been fighting for their candidates in Don Muang constituency in the far north of Bangkok. (Bangkok Post photos)

The by-election in northern Bangkok pits former TV personality Tankhun Jitt-itsara of the Democrat Party against former film actor Yuranunt Pamornmontri of the Pheu Thai Party.

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra campaigned for their representatives in the district Saturday in a final push for victory.

The by-election was called to find a new MP to replace Pheu Thai's Karun Hosakul, who was disqualified by the Supreme Court for violating election laws.

Mr Prapan said the EC was prepared for the by-election in Bangkok's Constituency 12 and had set a target for more than 60%.

Mr Prapan said the 2011 general election saw a turnout of 72% in the constituency.

However, he was concerned about the possibility of rain resulting in a lower turnout today.

The EC has worked with officers at polling stations to ensure that umbrellas and tents are available in case it rains, Mr Prapan said.

Don Muang district office had provided facilities for voters who applied for new identification cards ahead of the election, he said.

"The election result will be unofficially known before 7 pm," Mr Prapan said, adding that EC officials overseeing the poll could endorse the result as early as by the end of the day tomorrow.

If no complaints are filed, the EC would make the result official within seven days, he added.

The commissioner said so far no complaints over election fraud had been lodged with the EC.

The EC is ready to proceed quickly to deal with any complaints that are filed, he added.

READY TO ROLL: Don Muang district officials worked Saturday to prepare documents and equipment for Sunday’s by-election. Ten candidates are standing in the poll in Bangkok’s Constituency 12, but only two have a realistic chance.

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