Thailand and Japan Set for Elections Sunday

Thailand and Japan are heading to elections tomorrow, February 8, with both countries’ leaders seeking public endorsement amid pivotal political contests.

In Thailand, major parties including Bhumjaithai, People’s Party and Pheu Thai held their final campaign rallies in Bangkok ahead of the vote.

The election pits popular reformists, who won the last polls, against conservatives, including the current prime minister Anutin Charnviraku in a high-stakes battle for leadership.

For Japan, it is heading to the polls again for its second general election in two years.

The snap vote has surprised the ruling party, the opposition and much of the electorate.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female premier is seeking a clear public mandate for the long-ruling but widely unpopular Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), aiming to succeed where her party fell short in last year’s elections. (Agencies)