Litigation on advance balloting is a publicity stunt: Chalit

"I don't know whether the move to postpone the voting is actually meant for grabbing attention," he said in reference to the New Aspiration Party's petition for the judicial intervention to cancel the advance voting.

The NAP's administrative litigation is seen as a lastditch attempt to reschedule the Sunday's balloting. The Central Administrative is scheduled to rule later today whether to launch a judicial review.

Chalit said he was optimistic that the electoral process would proceed as planned. He also repeated his stand that the military and the bureaucracy would remain politically neutral.

"I think the silent majority have already decided whether to elect a leader who brings about prosperity or the return of someone who inflicts damages," he said.

He also dismissed the allegation that soldiers were instructed to cast ballots in a uniformed manner, arguing that military superiors only explained democratic principles and let their subordinates form their own judgement on parties and candidates.

The Nation