Bangkok (VNA) - The Election Commission (EC) of Thailand has concluded the registration for constituency and party-list candidates in the February 8 general election, with more than 5,000 candidates and 94 prime ministerial nominees from political parties.
Deputy EC secretary-general Phasakorn Siriphakayaporn said that 3,526 candidates from 60 parties registered for 400 constituencies across Thailand, while 1,570 party-list candidates from 57 parties entered the race as of 4.30pm on December 31.
There were 94 prime ministerial candidates nominated by 43 parties, according to acting Sub Lt Phasakorn, who briefed the media on the overall outcome after registrations closed. The briefing took place at the Centara Life Government Complex Hotel and Convention Centre in Bangkok's Lak Si district.
Bangkok’s constituency 30 had the highest number of contenders at 19, with the oldest candidate being 90 years old.
The commission will forward candidate details to 26 relevant agencies for qualification verification before returning results to district election directors and the EC board. The official list of eligible candidates is expected by January 7.
The EC also reported that 829,786 voters registered for advance voting during the period from December 20 to 31, either within their constituencies, outside their constituencies, or from abroad. Of these, 4,325 registered for advance voting within their constituencies, 758,306 for outside voting and 68,155 for overseas voting.
Registration is open from December 20 to January 5 for voters who are unable to vote on February 8, those residing abroad and officials assigned to election-day duties.
The new House of Representatives will have 400 constituency MPs and 100 party-list MPs./.
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