BANGKOK, Feb 8 – The Election Commission (EC) has unanimously decided to propose the government to issue a royal decree for new elections in 28 constituencies in eight southern provinces.
EC member Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said after a tense six-hour meeting yesterday that the EC was quite confident that it could hold new elections in the five provinces of Rayong, Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Petchaburi.
“We are not quite sure if new elections could be successfully held in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Satun which have 222 and 300 polling stations, respectively,” he said.
He said violence might interrupt the balloting but the EC would reassess the situation again on Tuesday, after which EC leaders in the seven pending provinces would be invited to discuss preparations for the election.
In the 28 constituencies in eight southern provinces where not a single candidate has registered to run in the polls, Mr Somchai said the government would have to issue a royal decree for new elections, as the EC lacks the authority to do so.
“The EC will submit a letter to the government regarding the royal decree so that the government gives us a reply in writing,” he said.
He said there were individual comments that the government has already issued a royal decree for the Feb 2 general election and it would not issue another one for new elections.
“That’s why we need an official reply from the government, not an individual’s verbal response,” he said.
He said new ballots will have to be printed and the ballots will have new colours. He would not disclose the printing house.
EC secretary general Puchong Nutrawong said the EC has set March 30 for Senate election, and March 23 for advance election.
Candidacy registration is scheduled for March 4-8, he said.
