BANGKOK, 13 May 2014 – The caretaker Prime Minister insists that the government will press forward with the general election, affirming that the government has the authority to submit an election decree for royal endorsement.
Caretaker Prime Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisan revealed that the government will meet with the Election Commission this Wednesday to discuss the election issue, expressing hope that the election date will not be changed. The government and the EC had earlier agreed to stage an election on July 20 which was deemed the most appropriate date for an election.
Mr. Niwatthamrong said he, as the acting PM, has the power to seek a royal decree for an election, adding that the government must carry out its duties until the establishment of a new cabinet, in accordance with the Constitution.
He also mentioned about the idea to appoint an interim prime minister under Section 7 of the Constitution, saying such an approach was unconstitutional and unlawful, while expressing his personal belief that an interim prime minister would never happen.
