Of particular interest will be whether the one-horse Thai Rak Thai candidates running unopposed in 18 constituencies will make the 20-per-cent minimum. Observers expect another round of voting in some southern provinces where opposition to the ruling party is intense. 

EC investigation

The Election Commission this week will investigate allegations that candidates in the recent Senate election - including some winning candidates - violated the election law by soliciting votes during anti-Thaksin rallies.

The commissioners will also look into complaints against winning candidates in yesterday's second round vote for the Lower House.

Month of meetings

This is a big month for general meetings of political parties. It began with the Chat Thai Party holding its annual gathering on Saturday, at which party leader Banharn Silapa-archa blamed caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for causing the country's political crisis.

Tomorrow, it's the turn of the ruling Thai Rak Thai Party to hold its annual convention. A deputy party leader will chair the meeting as the party leader, caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, will be away on an overseas trip.

Thaksin was earlier expected to preside over the annual event and give a speech.

This Saturday, the Democrat and Mahachon parties will hold their annual general meetings.