Asia-Pacific

Candidates hold final rallies ahead of Thai polls

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-07-01 17:20

BANGKOK -- Candidates in Thailand are holding their final rallies ahead of a general election, the latest battle in a bitter five-year struggle over the shape of the country's democracy.

The top contenders are Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and opposition leader Yingluck Shinawatra, the younger sister of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Thaksin has fled overseas to escape a jail sentence for corruption and is not a candidate. But many voters will be judging him and his populist policies when they cast their ballots Sunday.

Thailand has been deeply divided since Thaksin was ousted by the military in 2006. The elections will be the first since more than 90 people died during anti-government protests by his supporters last year.