Udon thani: The parliamentary election in Udon Thani's District 3 unfolded smoothly, with the electoral process running without any incidents. Results of the election are anticipated by 8 PM, as confirmed by officials overseeing the election process. According to Thai News Agency, Narong Rakroi, the Election Commissioner, conducted an inspection of the voting activities in Udon Thani's District 3, noting a seamless morning process. He directed election officials to ensure a smooth facilitation for voters and projected that the results would be ready by the evening. Despite intermittent rainfall, elderly and disabled voters remained undeterred, continuing to cast their votes. Key figures such as Ms. Samihra Decha-angkul, Director of the Udon Thani Provincial Election Commission Office, Mr. Rachan Soonhua, Governor of Udon Thani Province, and Mr. Kanaphat Pimkhot, District Chief of Phen District, joined Mr. Narong in visiting polling station No. 7, located at Village No. 8, Phen Subdistrict, within the Wat Pa Sri Wiang Phen temple hall. They monitored the voting process for the Member of Parliament election in Constituency 3, ensuring operations were running smoothly. During his visit, Mr. Narong assessed voter turnout and the overall atmosphere at the polling station. By 11:00 AM, over 200 voters had participated out of more than 700 eligible individuals at polling station 7. Comparatively, over 400 people voted at this station in the previous election. Mr. Narong also addressed potential issues with electricity supply, as Phen and Saeng Khom districts are often affected by power outages. He confirmed that adequate preparations for lighting and battery chargers were in place. In an interview, Mr. Narong reported that after visiting several polling stations, the situation remained orderly, although the voter turnout was not as vibrant as the election on February 8th. He instructed officials to use village loudspeakers to encourage voter participation. The initial target for voter turnout was set at 63%, consist ent with prior elections. However, challenges such as the absence of advance and out-of-district voting, a large number of residents working locally and abroad, and inclement weather conditions, were noted. Voters were advised to bring umbrellas due to the rain, and election officials were briefed to adhere strictly to legal procedures to assist elderly and disabled voters. No complaints were reported during the first half of the day. The polls are expected to close with official results available by 8:00 PM. Reporters observed that voting at the Wat Pa Sri Wiangphen polling station proceeded smoothly, with voters, primarily elderly, including blind and disabled individuals, participating despite light rain. Election officials provided commendable assistance to these voters. The by-election aims to fill a vacant seat in Constituency 3, which includes Phen District, Saeng Khom District, and Mueang Udon Thani District, specifically Ban Khao Subdistrict, accommodating 125,309 eligible voters across 240 polling stations.
