Prayut sets poll date for Feb 24

Prayut sets poll date for Feb 24

Parties keep faith despite serial delays

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha presided over Tuesday's mobile cabinet meeting at Chumphon, and addressed possible dates for a general election. (Photo via Post Today)
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha presided over Tuesday's mobile cabinet meeting at Chumphon, and addressed possible dates for a general election. (Photo via Post Today)

The general election has been tentatively set for Feb 24, marking the latest poll pledge by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha after a series of delays.

Gen Prayut gave the same date the Election Commission had predicted, adding it would not occur any sooner.

"If we can do it, we'll do it in February," Gen Prayut said. "If we can't, then we'll discuss the matter again."

He was speaking after a mobile cabinet meeting Tuesday in southern province of Chumphon.

An official Thai-language government TV clip showed some pre-cabinet campaigning with local groups, and then initial moments of the cabinet discussions.

The government will "unlock" some issues and start talks with political parties next month, Gen Prayut said, without elaborating.

It is the first time the prime minister has given a precise date for the poll. However, he said previously it would be held early next year while other government sources gave next May as a possible date.

The regime maintains its long-held ban on political parties engaging in political activities.

Despite the lack of certainty so far, political parties have expressed confidence that Gen Prayut will keep to his word this time.

Chusak Sirinil, head of Pheu Thai's legal team, said it was a credible date.

As soon as the organic bill on the election of MPs receives royal approval and is enacted, everything should be ready for the poll to be held before May, Mr Chusak said.

Addressing the government's plan to partially lift the political ban next month, he urged it to press ahead with this as soon as possible so that parties could resume their activities and begin electioneering.

However there should be no disturbances or unrest that would create headaches for the regime if the ban is lifted, Mr Chusak said.

The Bhumjaithai Party's deputy secretary-general, Supachai Jaisamut, said Gen Prayut's latest remark gave cause for hope that the election roadmap would be respected.

If the poll takes place in February as now planned, it would be reasonable to ease the political restrictions in September so that political parties have enough time to prepare, Mr Supachai said.

Some issues require further clarification, such as whether the primary vote, where members of political parties choose their respective MP candidates, will be suspended in the next election, Mr Supachai said, adding the regime should clear up any confusion.

"The parties need to know what activities are permitted. Recruiting members and holding party meetings are necessary. But it is up to the regime to decide. It must give clarity," he said.

Asked if he believed Gen Prayut's latest pledge, Mr Supachai said: "Yes, I do. The prime minister is a no-nonsense man. We believe that what he said to people in the South confirmed he will stick to the roadmap."

Deputy Democrat Party leader Nipit Intarasombat said he was giving the premier the benefit of the doubt but cautioned that it would be wise to prepare for "something unexpected" -- a reference to previous delays.

''Whenever we try to speculate on whether the prime minister will stick to his word [regarding the date of the poll], we're invariably proved wrong. Something unexpected always crops up," Mr Nipit said.

He also called for the ban on political activities to be eased or lifted so parties could proceed with meetings, membership recruitment and the selection of executives.

Varawut Silpa-archa, a Chartthaipattana key figure, said parties should be given at least 90 days to prepare for the poll after the ban is axed.

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