The first round of Senate selections proceeded quietly across the country yesterday with several candidates progressing through to the next round unopposed.
A total of 7,215 people applied to compete in the contest in which the intra-group voting is taking place at three levels: district, provincial and finally national level on Jan 2.
The majority were independent candidates and a minority of 505 candidates were fielded by 10 social and professional groups.
There were no candidates vying for seats in 52 districts scattered across 28 provinces. According to the Election Commission (EC) which is responsible for holding the selection, the poll agency had expected at least 30,000 candidates.
EC secretary-general Jarungvith Phumma yesterday inspected the selection in Bangkok's Bang Phat district, one of three districts where voting took place. The other two were Bung Kum and Prawet.
Bangkok saw 214 entrants but candidates in 45 districts won by default because there were no rival contestants. No one applied in two districts of Sathon and Pomprap Sattruphai.
The Senate selection elsewhere was said to be quiet.
In Kanchanaburi, voting took place in four districts out of 13 and there were only 112 people considered for the seats.
In Kalasin, the atmosphere was said to be lively. A total of 202 people applied for the intra-group voting and only 106 people progressed through to the second round.
The second round, at the provincial level, will take place on Dec 22 and the final round will be held on Dec 27.
The intra-voting will produce a shortlist of 200 candidates from which 50 will be selected by the National Council for Peace and Order to join the 200 others it will select to create the 250-member assembly.
The regime-sponsored Senate will join the House of Representatives in voting for the prime minister following the general election and will follow up on the implementation of the 20-year national strategic plan.
