Udon thani: The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) has announced its complete readiness for the upcoming by-election in Udon Thani Constituency 3, with hopes for a voter turnout exceeding 63%.
According to Thai News Agency, Election Commissioner Narong Rakroi, along with his team, visited the Udon Thani Provincial Election Commission office to oversee the preparations and ensure operational readiness ahead of the election day. The constituency has 125,309 eligible voters across 240 polling stations.
Mr. Narong emphasized during a meeting that the by-election, scheduled for tomorrow, is crucial as it will fill a vacant parliamentary seat. Despite concerns about the rainy season potentially affecting voter turnout, the Election Commission has made contingency plans for weather-related issues. In the last election on February 8th, 63.42% of voters participated, and the commission is optimistic about exceeding this percentage, although there will be no advance or overseas voting this time.
Mr. Narong expressed gratitude to the Governor of Udon Thani Province for the support provided, acknowledging the significant manpower required for the election, with 2,600 personnel deployed across the polling stations. Efforts have been made to train polling station chairpersons to ensure smooth operations. He encouraged voters to bring umbrellas in anticipation of possible rain, urging all 125,309 eligible voters to participate.
Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary-General Chanin Noi Lek, who attended the meeting, refrained from commenting on the Senate collusion investigation. Following Mr. Narong's address, Chanin departed the meeting without engaging with the media. It is reported that he will focus on security measures, including setting up checkpoints and gathering intelligence on the eve of the election.
Voters in Udon Thani Constituency 3, covering Phen District, Saeng Khom District, and parts of Mueang Udon Thani District, are invited to vote between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM at their designated polling stations.