EC backs July 20 general election date ‘in principle’

EC backs July 20 general election date ‘in principle’

The Election Commission (EC) has agreed in principle to a new poll date of July 20.

EC secretary-general Puchong Nutrawong said the agency is expected to meet the cabinet on Wednesday to discuss the possibility of seeking a royal decree for the fresh poll.

"The EC has agreed with the proposed election date of July 20. But we believe the two political camps should talk to each other, too," he said.

The EC proposed three potential dates for a new election — July 20, Aug 17 and Sept 14 — when it met political parties on Tuesday.

The Pheu Thai Party is backing July 20 for the next poll.

According to Mr Puchong, it is unlikely the EC will be able to hold talks between the opposing parties. The EC's past attempts to broker negotiations have failed.

"I don't think [the new election] will fail again or we won't go ahead with it. In the previous election we didn't do anything illegal. We have to be more careful when holding the new poll," he said.

Meanwhile, foreign ministers of Asean are preparing to issue a statement urging Thailand to resolve its political conflict through negotiation and a fresh election, caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said.

Mr Surapong said he has seen the draft statement, which expresses concern about the political situation in Thailand and supports democracy and fresh elections.

He said Asean's foreign ministers want to see an election proceed, which they believe will solve the political crisis and lead to national reconciliation.

The draft statement was also raised during the Asean-China Senior Officials' meeting in Chon Buri early this week.

Mr Surapong said the draft statement will be reviewed and signed by Asean foreign ministers before its official release.

He said Asean leaders had issued a similar statement last December.

Mr Surapong, who acts as chief adviser of the Centre for Administration of Peace and Order, said the prolonged political crisis in Thailand might affect the Asean Community, as he believes Thailand's role in Asean is being diminished by its internal conflict.

He called on People's Democratic Reform Committee leader Suthep Thaugsuban and Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva to discuss an election date and negotiate with the EC.

He criticised Mr Abhisit, who failed to show up to Tuesday's meeting between the EC and more than 50 political parties.

The Democrat leader informed the EC at the last minute that he could not attend for safety reasons.

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