Thailand: Anti-military parties claim majority

Thailand's Pheu Thai party, which was ousted in a military coup in 2014, claimed on Wednesday to have secured a majority in the lower house of parliament after banding together with six other Thai political parties.

The ruling junta-backed Palang Pracharath party has also claimed the right to form a government, with a full preliminary vote count yet to be announced in Thailand's first general election since the coup.

What we know so far:

• Besides Pheu Thai, the alliance includes Future Forward, a party popular with young Thais, as well as Pheu Chart, Prachachart, Seri Ruam Thai, Thai People Power and New Economy.
• Based on partial results, they claim the alliance would win at least 255 seats in the 500-seat House of Representatives.
• The pro-millitary Palang Pracharath party says they should be the ones to form a government after taking a lead in early results.
• A full preliminary vote count is due to be announced on Friday, with official results not expected until May.

Read more: Thailand election highlights a divided society

'Democratic front'

Pheu Thai's prime ministerial candidate, Sudarat Keyuraphan, told reporters that although the full results are not in yet, the coalition is likely to secure enough seats for a majority.

"Today, we hold the fact that parties on the side of democracy have received majority support from the people, although figures are not stable yet, he said.

Sudarat added that they are still in talks with other parties.

Who will form a government? The coalition in the lower house will likely not be enough for the opposition to elect the next prime minister and could lead to deadlock. The prime minister is elected by the House of Representatives and the Senate, which is entirely appointed by the ruling junta.

Disputed election: The general election has been dogged by claims of irregularities in ballot counting as well as allegations of vote buying. Criticis have also accused the electoral system, which was revised by the military junta, of favoring pro-military parties. They claim it is rigged to prevent Pheu Thai from returning to power.

rs/rc (AP, Reuters)

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