Thailand election authorities have set March 24 as the date for the general election. It will be the first since May 2014 military coup.

The date was announced Wednesday afternoon by Election Commissioner Ittiporn Boonpracong, just hours after a royal decree was issued by the palace.

Numerous parties will compete in the election which will decide Thailand’s future after almost five years of military rule under junta chairman Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Last month, the military government lifted a ban on political activities to allow parties to campaign.