BANGKOK, Dec 30 – Election officials who fail to perform their duty and resign amid disruptions of the poll registration process are liable to legal punishment, Caretaker Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan has warned.
He openly showed his frustration yesterday over the resignations of election officials in several southern provinces in light of protests and disruptions against the registration of constituency candidates nationwide between December 28 and January 1.
He urged election officials to work steadfastly and, if necessary, seek assistance from provincial governors, police, military personnel or public prosecutors to resolve the problems.
Mr Charupong said people disrupting the elections will be liable to legal punishment and those using force to assault others would be subject to a maximum two years’ imprisonment.
He rejected the Election Commission’s call to postpone the February 2 general election, insisting that the Constitution requires an election within 60 days after a House dissolution.
“The election can be delayed for only 6-7 days. What’s the use of doing that? If we want to postpone it further, which law shall we apply to do that?” he asked.
