New polls can still go on, says EC

New polls can still go on, says EC

Martial law will not affect preparations for fresh polls, said the Election Commission.

EC secretary-general Puchong Nuttrawong said the royal decree dissolving the House and calling for a general election is still in effect and therefore the EC has obligations to fulfill.

"It's not that there won't be a new election now that martial law is being enforced," said Mr Puchong, noting the EC is ready to organise the polls and regulations have been revised to bring about fresh elections.

However, he said the EC would have to monitor the political situation and wait and see how it unfolds.

He said it might take a while before an election date can be set.

Mr Puchong, who yesterday attended the meeting with the new Peace and Order Maintaining Command (POMC), said army chief and POMC commander Prayuth Chan-ocha did not say much about the planned election.

He said the army chief suggested that if the EC could not guarantee a successful and peaceful election there was no need to organise one.

EC member Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, who is in charge of election administration, said the constitution still stands and therefore the organisations set up under the charter have to carry on with their duties.

He said the caretaker government has agreed to include in a royal decree calling new elections, a provision allowing for a postponement of the polls in case of an emergency.

Mr Somchai said acting caretaker prime minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan has sent a letter informing the EC chairman of the government's decision.

He said the EC expects to discuss today the election date and the authority of the caretaker prime minister in seeking a royal decree calling the election.

The EC is asking if Mr Niwattumrong has the authority to propose a royal decree because he is working as caretaker prime minister in an "acting" capacity.

However, Mr Somchai said the army may discuss the election's timing with the commission now that martial law is in effect.

He said the EC can brief the POMC and offer guidelines for a successful election.

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