A pro-military political party has taken a shock lead in Thailand’s first election since the army seized power in 2014.
With 93% of the ballots counted, the Palang Pracha Rath Party has gained 7.6m of the popular vote, according to the country's Election Commission.
This is half a million more than opposition Pheu Thai, which is connected to ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whose loyalists have won every election since 2001.
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The Guardian says the initial results are “a blow to those who hoped this election would bring in a new era for Thai politics”. CNN agreed, describing the situation as “a blow to pro-democracy forces fighting to overcome authoritarian military rule”. Bloomberg said: “What a coup for Thailand's junta”.
As they awaited final confirmation, both side were quick to offer optimistic forecasts. “We are pleased with the results so far,” said Phalang Pracharat leader Uttama Savanayana. Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra said: “The last gift that God can give you is hope”.
The results will be announced later but Phalang Pracharat’s vote total currently falls short of the numbers required for an outright majority in parliament, meaning Thailand could now face weeks of bargaining between political parties before a potentially unstable coalition government is formed.
There is already uproar in the country. Thais have vented their anger on Twitter with the hashtags #PoTaek - careless cheats are easily discovered - and #KongLuangTang - cheating elections - both trending. The hashtag #prayforthailand is also being widely used.
Commentators have claimed that new electoral rules are deliberately designed to penalise big parties like Thaksin's Pheu Thai and keep the military in power.
The Election Commission put the turnout rate at about 66% of the nearly 52m potential voters. The election has already claimed its first scalp: after voters deserted the Democrat Party, Thailand’s oldest political party, its leader resigned.
