PUBLISHED: 1 Feb 2025 at 06: 15
The Provincial Administrative Organization ( PAO ) elections results are anticipated to be released by 10pm, according to the Election Commission (EC ).
The PAO votes are being held on Saturday in 76 regions.
Just 49 regions expect to see both their PAO rulers and people elected on Saturday, yet.
Because their PAO rulers have already been elected following the early defections of their predecessors, voters in 29 other provinces are only allowed to choose their own.
All PAO leaders ‘ four-year terms ended on December 19 for the time being.
Ittiporn Boonpracong, the EC chair, stated on Friday during his attend to Chiang Mai to assess the state’s election readiness that the EC has ensured that all election authorities are knowledgeable and well-trained to adhere to the appropriate criteria.
When asked if Chiang Mai may be closely watched as the principal parties had been conducting campaigning there in its final days, Mr. Ittiporn said that all applicants were aware of the vote rules.
Individuals are given a fighting handbook from the EC to help them understand what is permitted. If any possible mistakes are feared, individuals can read the EC, he noted.
He said there have been 153 election-related complaints in Chiang Mai but far– mostly involving vote-buying, group donations, amusement events, campaign violations and phony accusations.
The number of issues is significantly lower than the 718 problems that were submitted during the PAO vote in 2020.
In terms of complaints that people are paid to go campaign rallies, Mr. Ittiporn argued that the EC needs strong evidence before bringing legal action on these allegations.
Information, such as pictures, audio recordings and fingerprints, is critical in proving misbehavior, he said.
Eight vote inspectors and eight helpers are closely monitoring the situation in Chiang Mai, as are quick response teams that can collect information as needed.
The EC has worked with provincial governors and authorities to strengthen surveillance actions, including setting up roadblocks for examination in the last three weeks.
Mr. Ittiporn urged people all over the country to take part in election tracking to avoid fraud.
The EC will complete its best to carry out its work, he said.
Chiang Mai and Lamphun were both in the lead with a voter turnout of 77.95 %, while Lamphun was only slightly behind in the previous PAO elections.
” This time, we aim for 75 to 80 per cent turnout”, said Mr Ittiporn.
In smaller regions, results may be finalised by 10pm.
However, in larger counties like Chiang Mai, where some voting stations are far from counting areas, the process may take longer.