BANGKOK, 19 December 2013 Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is adamant that the government has no authority to reschedule the election, which has already been set to take place on February 2 next year.
The Election Commission (EC) previously expressed concerns that there would be disruptions to the general election if the date remained fixed on February 2. The commission therefore recommended that the government and the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) work out a new election date together so that it would be acceptable to both sides.
However, as a response, Prime Minister Yingluck has confirmed that the power to assign a new date for the poll does not rest with the government. She said she was open to any suggestions but would have to consult the legal team as well as academics first.
Meanwhile, Election Commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn has expressed readiness for the registration of party-list MP candidates which will take place during December 23-27 at Keelawes 2 Building of the Thai-Japanese Youth Center in the Din Daeng area. Applications will be accepted from 8.30 am-4.30 pm. Mr Somchai said tight security would be provided by the police while urging the candidates to make sure they brought all the required documents with them.
