BANGKOK, April 19 – Sixty-four political parties have accepted an invitation from the Election Commission (EC) to a meeting Tuesday to discuss preparations for the next general election, a senior official said.
EC secretary general Puchong Nutrawong said three parties – Kasikorn Thai, Pheu Fah Din and Thai Maharat Pattana – refused to attend the forum.
Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva will be accompanied by his deputy Chamni Sakdiset while ruling Pheu Thai leader Charupong Ruangsuwan informed the EC that he would join the meeting with Pokin Pollakul, the party’s strategic executive.
Mr Puchong said the EC would discuss timing for the next nationwide polls which could be held in 60 days, 90 days or 120 days after the promulgation of the election decree.
Conclusions from the meeting will be raised with the state security sector and the caretaker government, he said.
Meanwhile, executives of 30 small political parties met at a Bangkok hotel yesterday and agreed that the general election should be held on June 15.
They proposed three possible candidates as Thailand’s next prime minister – Phongthep Thepkanjana, Supachai Panitchpakdi and Dr Boon Vanasin – on the condition that they must be first elected to the House of Representatives.
The group of 30 small political parties will all join the EC-initiated meeting on Tuesday.
