Chadchart Sittipunt, Thailand’s former transport minister, is poised to be approved as Bangkok’s next governor following a convincing victory in the city’s first gubernatorial election since 2013.

Unofficial results from the Office of Election Commission of Bangkok indicated that 31 candidates registered for the Bangkok governor election, with independent candidate Chadchart, 55, earning a record of over 1.3 million votes, considerably ahead of his nearest challengers, who both received over 250,000 votes.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha praised Chadchart on Monday, according to government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana.

According to the spokeswoman, Prayut told Chadchart that the government would provide him and his team with the necessary assistance for the growth of Bangkok.

Chadchart’s opponents conceded defeat on Sunday, but the electoral commission may take up to 30 days to proclaim official results, according to the country’s election rules.

“Once the election commission makes the announcement, I will be the governor for everyone,”  Chadchart declared on Sunday.

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