A majority of people say it would not be helpful for the election to be postponed from the tentative date of Feb 24, according to the result of an opinion poll carried out by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, or Suan Dusit Poll.
The poll was conducted between Jan 8-12 on 1,029 eligible voters throughout the country.
A majority of respondents -- 63.75% -- thought a postponement from Feb 24 would affect public confidence in the country's economic and political stability, tarnish the country's image and foment political conflicts, while 36.25% believed it would allow more time to prepare for the election and manage campaign budgets.
Asked to outline "unfavourable" aspects of postponing the election, 49.17% said it would lead to political and economic instability; 44.97% said it would cause the political situation to be plagued with uncertainty; and 30.70% said it would lead to more political conflict and persecution.
Asked for possible benefits to a poll delay, 48% said it would allow candidates and political parties more time for campaigning; 29.19% said it would give the Election Commission sufficient time to prepare for the election; and 27.95% said it would give voters more time to decide whom to vote for.