Govt firm on election roadmap

Govt firm on election roadmap

No delay in drawing up organic laws

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to following the roadmap for general elections scheduled for late next year.

Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said yesterday that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha stressed that matters related to national administration will proceed uninterrupted.

The roadmap towards the election and the timeframe for the National Legislative Assembly's deliberation of legislative bills will remain unchanged, Lt Gen Sansern quoted Gen Prayut as saying.

The cabinet will hold a routine meeting tomorrow and preparations for the royal funeral rites for His Majesty the King will be at the top of the agenda, the government spokesman said.

"The prime minister has stressed that even though all Thais are overcome with grief over the passing of His Majesty the King, they must heed the King's advice for them to carry out their duties properly for the good of the country," Lt Gen Sansern said.

He added the prime minister wished to convey his appreciation to people who have done good deeds in honour of His Majesty the King.

They include medical and health units in addition to rescue workers who looked after people who were attending the royal funeral rites.

The prime minister also praised students who collected garbage in areas where many people gathered to mourn the passing of His Majesty, and thanked people who provided food and drinking water for participants in royal events, Lt Gen Sansern said.

On Saturday evening, Gen Prayut and Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, who has assumed the duty of acting regent under the interim constitution, were granted an audience with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn at the Ambara Royal Palace.

Appearing later on television, Gen Prayut said the Crown Prince expressed concern for the Thai people as many are still suffering from floods while the country is mourning the passing of His Majesty the King.

According to Gen Prayut, the Crown Prince wanted the people not to be concerned about the succession to the throne because this matter is clearly stated in the constitution, the Palace Law and royal traditions.

The Crown Prince reiterated that he wanted to join the Thai people in mourning the passing of his father before he accepted the invitation to become the new King.

The Crown Prince said all sides should be given time to get through their grief and suggested it should not feel like any abrupt change is taking place.

According to Gen Prayut, the Crown Prince wanted all people to take this time to cherish the best memories of the 70-year reign of His Majesty the King, and the coronation could take place some time after the royal cremation.

The Crown Prince had advised that royal funeral rites should continue for at least one year before the cremation ceremony is held.

Gen Prayut said the government and the NLA chairman had agreed they would follow the advice given by the Crown Prince.

"Several people have said they were born and have grown up in the reign of our King Rama IX, so it is difficult for them to come to terms with any change," Gen Prayut said.

In his television address, the prime minister thanked all military and police personnel, as well as civilians, for having performed their duties to assist people taking part in the royal funeral rites.

"The images of the cortege of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej to the Grand Palace on Thursday impressed people throughout the world," he said.

The sight of such a large number of people lining up on both sides of the road for kilometres clearly showed their loyalty and intentions of upholding the royal institution."

Gen Prayut also extended his appreciation to motorcycle taxi drivers who have offered free rides to people travelling to take part in the royal funeral rites.

Constitution Drafting Committee spokesman Amorn Wanichwiwatana yesterday said the CDC will continue to draw up the new constitution's organic laws to ensure the roadmap to the election is not affected.

The four key organic laws cover MP elections, the Senate, political parties and the Election Commission.

The CDC is deliberating the draft of the organic law on political parties, with proposals sent in from the Election Commission as well as from various sectors.

CDC member Chartchai Na Chiang Mai said the CDC will meet today to plan its next moves, as well as discuss whether to postpone some of its planned forums in four regions to gather feedback on the organic laws.

The NLA chairman said yesterday that Gen Prayut informed him of the Crown Prince's advice, and that it is appropriate for the NLA to follow the prince's suggestion.

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