Thailand’s general election set for May 14th

The Election Commission (EC) has set May 14^th for the general election and the first week of April for candidate registration.

The setting of the election date comes the day after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha dissolved the House of Representatives – two days before its four-year term was due to end. An election is constitutionally required to be held 45 days after, but within 60 days of the House dissolution.

EC Secretary General Sawang Boonmee said the commission decided during its meeting today (Tuesday) to set May 14^th as the election day and May 7^th for early voting.

He said registration for constituency candidates will be open from April 3^rd to 7^th, while registration for party list candidates and prime ministerial candidates will be from April 4^th to 7^th. Under the Constitution, each political party has the option of nominating up to three candidates for prime minister.