BANGKOK, 10 December 2013 New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully is calling on all parties to respect the democratic process in Thailand after the government announced an early election.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday dissolved parliament and called for an election following a month of protests.
Mr. McCully says the New Zealand government has been concerned by the tensions in recent weeks and the risk of further bloodshed. Elections, expected to take place in February, demonstrate Yingluck government’s commitment to a peaceful resolution.
He commended the restraint shown by the Thai authorities and hope this will carry through to the elections. He also expressed his belief that the best way to determine the will of the Thai people is through the ballot box, and urged all parties to see this as an opportunity to test their support.
Thailand’s Constitution requires the election to be held 45-60 days from yesterday’s announcement.
