In Brief: Thai elections peaceful, say observers
BANGKOK, 5 July 2011 (IRIN) - Thailand's general elections were held in a peaceful and orderly manner, say observers, despite deep social divisions and recent political violence, with the opposition Pheu Thai party winning an absolute majority in the country's 500-seat parliament.
"The election period - in particular election day on 3 July - was managed well and without any major incident that would call into question the election's results," said Damaso Magbual, chairman of the Asian Network for Free Elections on 5 July.
Analysts had expressed doubts whether the results would be accepted by the military; however, one day after the polls, Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwon reassured voters that their decision would be respected. "I've said this several times," said Prawit. "We are not going to intervene."
Yingluck Shinawatra, the leader of the Pheu Thai party and sister of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a military coup in September 2006, will be Thailand's first female prime minister.
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Copyright © IRIN 2011
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