Web News - Thailand elections: millions kept from voting

FRANCE 24 English 2014-02-04

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In this edition: millions kept from voting in Sunday's elections in Thailand; French web users help track down a man filmed torturing a cat; and a young American hikes over 4 000 kilometers.

THAILAND ELECTIONS: MILLIONS KEPT FROM VOTING
It was nowhere near as bad as expected. In fact aside from a few sporadic incidents, there were none of the feared outbreaks of violence during Thailand’s nationwide elections on Sunday February 2nd. But as this online infographic shows, although there were no major incidents, around 25 % of Thailand`s 48 million voters, so some 12 million people, did not cast their ballot. A lot of them were heeding boycott calls from the opposition, but millions of citizens were actually kept from voting by protesters.
Many of those prevented from exercising their right to vote soon took to social networks to relate what was happening. The person who tweeted these posts for example says he was unable to vote because the polling station was closed due to lack of staff to oversee the process. He, like thousands of his fellow citizens, has lodged a complaint against the Election commission, blaming them for the poor organization.
And although many have voiced their anger and indignation via the web, others have taken to the streets. There have been spontaneous protests in front of polling places, with frustrated Thai voters waving their voter identification cards demanding their right to participate in the election.
The Election Commission has announced a second round of voting however specifically for these people, to ensure all eligible voters can cast their ballots. The authorities are set to confirm the date on Thursday.

CAT-THROWING VIDEO SPARKS OUTRAGE IN FRANCE
Despite the psychological trauma and a broken p... Go on reading on our web site.

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