The five members of the Election Commission (EC) on Sunday evening resolved to retain the schedule for registration of party-list candidates on Monday at the Thai-Japanese Sports Stadium amid growing street protests demanding political reform before the Feb 2 national election.
Election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn announced the resolution after the five-member panel held a special meeting to assess the current political situation and discuss the possibility of changing the registration date and venue over fears of possible obstruction by supporters of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC).
Election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn. Photo by Thiti Wannamontha
Mr Somchai said the EC had prepared a back-up plan to handle disorder if the protesters march to the stadium and hold a rally there. He would keep all political parties informed but could not disclose details about the plan yet.
Mr Somchai pledged that the EC will go ahead with the procedures in a fair, safe and orderly manner. Registration ends on Friday.
Shortly before Mr Somchai’s announcement, Issara Somchai, a core-leader of the PDRC. who co-headed a protest at Victory Monument ― one of the main five rally venues for Sunday's city-wide mass rallies ― hinted that he would lead protesters to the Thai-Japanese Sports Stadium at midnight Sunday.
He insisted the PDRC loyalists would not obstruct the registration but would be there to see the faces of the politicians who were opposed to having reform before the election.
Mr Issara said he had received a report that the EC may change the registration venue from the stadium to Rangsit campus of Thammasat University tomorrow, adding he was verifying it.
Meanwhile, the Democrat Party on Sunday said it will continue to push for reforms by holding forums in the provinces to get the opinions of the people for a blueprint.
The party has announced its decision to boycott the Feb 2 election by not fielding a candidate, but said it will not obstruct it.