Polls opened at 8am local time in Thailand on Sunday for a closely watched general election. Three main parties—the progressive People’s Party, the military-backed Bhumjaithai, and populist Pheu Thai—are battling for control. With 500 seats in Parliament at stake, no party is expected to win a clear majority. This raises chances of political instability and complex coalition talks to form the next government. More than 2.2 million voters cast ballots early. Thailand has 53 million registered voters overall. The People’s Party, led by Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and seen as a reformist force, aims to reduce military and court influence and change economic policies. However, rivals may block them from power by joining forces. Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul heads Bhumjaithai, the royalist-military favored party. He focuses his campaign on economic stimulus and national security amid recent border clashes with Cambodia. Pheu Thai, backed by former PM Thaksin Shinawatra’s supporters, promotes populist policies like cash handouts and economic revival. Its lead prime minister candidate is Thaksin’s nephew Yodchanan Wongsawat. The vote also includes a referendum on whether to replace Thailand’s 2017 military-drafted constitution. Pro-democracy groups want a new charter to reduce unelected power, but conservatives warn it risks instability. The polls close at 5pm local time, and all eyes will be on the outcome and the shape of the new government.