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Thailand ready for key election First post-coup vote in Thailand
(about 4 hours later)
Thailand is heading to the polls for the first general election since the coup last year that overthrew Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. People in Thailand are voting in the first general election since the military coup that ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra last year.
A total of 480 parliamentary seats are being contested, under a new constitution introduced in August.A total of 480 parliamentary seats are being contested, under a new constitution introduced in August.
Mr Thaksin is in exile abroad and is banned from politics but a new party set up by his followers has been leading in the opinion polls. Mr Thaksin is in exile and has been banned from politics, but a new party set up by his followers has been leading in the opinion polls.
Analysts say all eyes will be on the military should the party win outright.Analysts say all eyes will be on the military should the party win outright.
However, the army insists the general election will restore democracy in the country. The army insists the election is restoring democracy.
Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who deposed Mr Thaksin in September 2006, promised that a victory for the ousted prime minister's allies would not bring turmoil.Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who deposed Mr Thaksin in September 2006, promised that a victory for the ousted prime minister's allies would not bring turmoil.
About 45 million Thais are eligible to vote.About 45 million Thais are eligible to vote.
Weakened roleWeakened role
The new party allied to Mr Thaksin, the People Power Party (PPP), is led by outspoken right-wing politician Samak Sundaravej.The new party allied to Mr Thaksin, the People Power Party (PPP), is led by outspoken right-wing politician Samak Sundaravej.
Mr Samak, 72, has said Mr Thaksin, who still faces a number of corruption charges, will return to Thailand about a month after the elections. Mr Samak, 72, has said Mr Thaksin, who still faces a number of corruption charges, will return to Thailand from London about a month after the elections.
Thaksin Shinawatra will be a key player after the electionThaksin Shinawatra will be a key player after the election
The PPP draws on the massive support Mr Thaksin had in rural areas.The PPP draws on the massive support Mr Thaksin had in rural areas.
Although ahead in opinion polls it is likely to fall short of an absolute majority.Although ahead in opinion polls it is likely to fall short of an absolute majority.
BBC South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head says if that happens there will almost certainly follow a period of bargaining with other parties over a coalition. The BBC's Jonathan Head in Bangkok says that if that happens there will almost certainly follow a period of bargaining with other parties over a coalition.
In any case, he says, the new constitution significantly weakens the power of the prime minister.In any case, he says, the new constitution significantly weakens the power of the prime minister.
The PPP's main rival is the Democrat Party, headed by 43-year-old movie star Abhisit Vejajjiva, which has strong support among the urban middle class. The PPP's main rival is the Democrat Party, headed by 43-year-old film star Abhisit Vejajjiva, which has strong support among the urban middle class.
Mr Abhisit said Mr Thaksin should return "to face charges here so justice will prevail".Mr Abhisit said Mr Thaksin should return "to face charges here so justice will prevail".
Polling stations are scheduled to open at 0800 local time (0100 GMT) on Sunday. Polling stations opened at 0800 local time (0100 GMT) on Sunday.
Some 200,000 soldiers and police will be deployed nationwide. Some 200,000 soldiers and police have been deployed nationwide.
The Election Commission has said it expects unofficial results by midnight on Sunday and predicts a turnout of about 70%.The Election Commission has said it expects unofficial results by midnight on Sunday and predicts a turnout of about 70%.