Politicians have roundly condemned the decision of a National Legislative Assembly (NLA) panel to tweak an election-related organic law that could push the polling date into next year.
The NLA should think carefully before voting on the bill, they warned on Saturday.
The panel vetting the organic law on the election of MPs voted on Friday to put off its effective date by 90 days. That could result in the general election being delayed until February next year.
Ong-art: "Part of the plan to perpetuate power." (Bangkok Post file photo)
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has indicated that there is little that should stop an election from being held by November this year.
The NLA, which was hand-picked by the military junta and where opposing votes tend to be in single digits, will be tabled for a vote on Jan 25.
Government spokesman Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the government and the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) had nothing to do with the legislators' decision. “We believe the panel has its reasons and can explain them to the people,” he said.
But politicians are not optimistic, saying the move was another ploy to delay the election and prolong the NCPO’s stay in power.
“This is not beyond our expectations,” Democrat deputy leader Ong-art Klampaiboon said on Saturday.
“Those in power have yet to properly set up a new party so they were looking for ways to delay the law. The extension is part of the plan to perpetuate power."
Anusorn: "Who stands to gain from the extension?" (Bangkok Post file photo)
Anusorn Iamsa-ard, acting deputy spokesman for the Pheu Thai Party, agreed the move came as no surprise. “Who would believe there’s no order from the NCPO? Who stands to gain from the extension?”
A spokesman for the panel insisted on Friday that there was "no order" to make the change.
Watana Muangsook, a Pheu Thai core leader and vocal critic of the government, was more blunt.
He wrote on Facebook that the move had come at a time when all sides -- the people, parties and the Election Commission -- were ready for new polls.
“The only side that is not ready and doesn’t wish to see the election is the NCPO as it fears losing. ... It can’t be viewed any way other than a group of NLA members taking an order from the junta to delay the election in exchange for them being appointed senators later.
“Some may view it as ‘a miracle of law’ but to me it’s not an innovation -- just a proposal from some thick-skinned people with no conscience.
Watana: "The people are watching you." (Bangkok Post file photo)
“I urge a majority of the NLA members to stand with the people instead of a government of ‘a mother’s ring and friends’ watches’," he wrote, a reference to the controversy surrounding Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon.
"The people are watching you,” Mr Watana concluded.
Supachai Somcharoen, president of the Election Commission, cautioned people not to jump to conclusions. “Let’s wait until Jan 25 [when the NLA votes on the bill],” he said.
EC commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn added: “The extension will affect the roadmap and hence the credibility of the government. I urge the NLA to consider the bill very carefully as there’s still time until the voting date.”