Illustrative image (Source: BBC) Hanoi (VNA) – Over 10,000 Thai individuals have been verified as candidates running as parliamentary hopefuls in the March 24 election, Thai media reported on February 19. The Election Commission (EC) verified a total of 10,792 candidates contesting over 350 individual constituencies in the nationwide race to parliament. Earlier this month, a total of 11,181 people had applied to run as candidates in individual constituencies. Of them, 389 candidates have been disqualified, according to the EC. On February 15, a total of 2,810 candidates had been verified to run as members of parliament (MPs) on the party list, while 107 others have been disqualified. A total of 500 MPs will be elected, including 350 MPs for individual constituencies and 150 others on the party list. Meanwhile, a total of 68 candidates have been verified by the polling agency to run for the post of prime minister, including Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who has been … [Read more...] about Over 10,000 Thai electoral candidates verified
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Indonesian presidential candidates hold second debate
Presidential candidates Joko Widodo (left) and Prabowo Subianto shake hands during a debate among candidates in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Feb 17, 2019. (Source: EPA-EFE) Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesian presidential candidates Joko Widodo and his challenger Prabowo Subianto on February 17 spared over the issues of energy, environment, infrastructure, food, and natural resources in their second debate held two months ahead of the presidential polls. Regarding the environment, incumbent 57-year-old President Widodo reiterated that the government has proven its efforts in addressing forest fires with 11 firms fined for their violations. Contaminated rivers are being detoxified as well, he said. Food security was touched upon when the debate moved to a question and answer format, during which President Widodo described the food reserve as the government’s top priority to ensuring food security in anticipation of natural disasters, lean harvests, and limited rice imports. Indonesia … [Read more...] about Indonesian presidential candidates hold second debate
Thailand: Incumbent PM most favoured candidate for upcoming election
Prime Minister of Thailand Prayut Chan-o-cha on a visit to Mukdahan on February 6. (Photo: AFP/VNA) Bangkok (VNA) – The incumbent Prime Minister of Thailand Prayut Chan-o-cha has been the most popular choice for the post of prime minister in the next general election, according to a recent poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). The survey sampled opinions from nearly 2,100 people, aged over 18 and with various occupations and educational backgrounds, between February 4-7. Of the ten most favoured prime ministerial candidates, Prayut Cha-o-cha led the field polling 26.06 percent. He was followed by Sudarat Keyuraphan of the Pheu Thai Party, with 24.01 percent. In the party race, the Pheu Thai, which consists of supporters of ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra, topped the list, with 36.49 percent, followed by the Palang Pracharat Party with 22.57 percent, and the Democrat Party at 15.21 percent. In addition, 54.85 percent of those surveyed set … [Read more...] about Thailand: Incumbent PM most favoured candidate for upcoming election
Suicide bomber kills eight at Afghan election rally, including candidate
The election candidate, Saleh Mohammad Achekzai, was killed in the blast at an election rally in Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand, Omar Zwak, the provincial governor's spokesman confirmed. At least 11 people were wounded. No group has claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attack in the province bordering Pakistan that has seen some of the fiercest fighting of the Taliban insurgency. Taliban militants have ramped up attacks in strategic provinces ahead of the October 20 election, and ordered Afghans on October 8 to boycott voting, while demanding a complete withdrawal of foreign forces as the only way to end the 17-year-old war. Hundreds of people have been killed or hurt in violence linked to the election, with two major attacks in the capital, Kabul, in April and in Khost province in May, but security officials say attacks could pick up as polling day nears. Violence has surged in the run-up to the vote, which militants have vowed to disrupt. At least 13 people were killed and more … [Read more...] about Suicide bomber kills eight at Afghan election rally, including candidate
Suicide bombing kills 13 at NW Pakistan election rally
Viet Nam News PESHAWAR, Pakistan — A suicide bombing at an election rally killed at least 13 people, including a politician, in northwestern Pakistan on Tuesday, police said, amid concerns about security ahead of national polls later this month. The attack targeted a campaign event organised in the city of Peshawar by the Awami National Party, which has been targeted by Islamist militants in the past over its vocal opposition to extremist groups like the Taliban. The bombing came hours after the Pakistan military spokesman said there were security threats ahead of national elections scheduled for July 25. "The attack killed at least 13 people, including (Haroon) Bilour," Peshawar city police chief Qazi Jameel said. Officials said at least 54 people were wounded. Haroon Bilour was one of the ANP’s election candidates and belonged to an influential political family in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, of which Peshawar is the capital. His father Bashir Bilour, one of … [Read more...] about Suicide bombing kills 13 at NW Pakistan election rally