The general election will be held by February next year unless two related organic draft laws are submitted to the charter court for a ruling, in which case it could be later, says Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam.
The organic bills govern the election of MPs and selection of senators. Both bills have passed the National Legislative Assembly.
They are the last two of four organic bills essential for holding a general election which have cleared the NLA. The other bills pertain to the political parties and the Election Commission (EC). The bill on the EC is being checked by the Constitutional Court concerning the qualifications of election commissioners.
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam is the government's legal eagle. He predicts an election in 13 months, but lists reasons why it might have to be delayed again.
Mr Wissanu said Wednesday the roadmap for holding the next poll by February next year remains unchanged. However, the two bills on the election of MPs and the selection of senators will need to be discussed at a joint panel made up of the NLA, EC and the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), which wrote the organic bills.
The timing of the joint panel meeting is to be scheduled although a potential problem could lie with legislators sending either or both of the bills to the court for a ruling, he said.
The check would take some time. Mr Wissanu said any interpretation request must be backed up with strong issues that raise doubts about whether the bill complies with the constitution.
The court can spend as long as it is necessary performing the check. "But that is not to say that this will be a reason for prolonging the election roadmap (beyond February)," the deputy premier said. "It's something hypothetical," he added.
Those authorised to forward an organic bill to the court are at least 25 NLA members co-signing such a request, and the prime minister. However, either the CDC or the EC can file a petition as well.
The CDC might disagree with an organic bill as amended by the NLA while the EC might spot potential technical glitches with implementing the bill that might hamper the election.
