And the winner is: Sukhumbhand Paribatra
Opposition Democrats can breathe easy. She has held on to her power base in Bangkok for the fourth consecutive gubernatorial election. Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra may run the city for another four years.
Government party Pheu Thai failed to get a foot in the door on Sunday. Sukhumbhand defeated his main rival Pongsapat Pongcharoen, former deputy chief of the Royal Thai Police, by 1.256.231 to 1.077.899 votes.
Despite the rain, the turnout was unheard of at 63,89 percent. In previous elections, it was below 60 percent. 25 candidates took part in the elections; 23 without the backing of a political party. Rawiwan Sutthiwirasan scored the fewest votes among them: 112; most were as expected for Sereepisuth Temeeyaves (166.582), former Chief of the Royal Thai Police. It was the first time the winner and runner-up each received more than 1 million votes.
Wuthisarn Tanchai, deputy secretary-general of King Prajadhipok's Institute, points out that the number of votes for ruling party Pheu Thai has risen sharply, indicating that its political base in the capital is expanding. "Democrats should be aware of the threat that this poses."
According to Pichai Rattanadilok na Phuket of the National Institute of Development Administration, Pongsapat would have won if the elections had not been linked to national politics. This was no ordinary election. The result has a symbolic meaning. Therefore, Sukhumbhand won. I don't think people like Sukhumbhand better. They just didn't want Pheu Thai to win.'
(Source: Bangkok Post, March 4, 2013)
Let's talk about the results for those interested in politics.
It was very clearly a vote for or against Thaksin, as has been noted here before. I noticed it in my wife. The results were monitored all evening. Great joy when it became clear that the Thaksin candidate would not win.
These elections were not so much about Bangkok as about the current political balance of power.
Thailand faces a difficult future. The man abroad is a divisive object for society. He does not seem to me to be the person who can bridge differences and bring about reconciliation. Worrying.
Soon comments, figures and photos about the elections in News from Thailand.
Dick, if the Moderator will allow me, I would like to congratulate you on winning the
bet with Tino.