The House of Representatives and a new government should both be in place by mid-year now a royal decree for a general election has been published in the Royal Gazette, the Prime Minister’s Office announced on Wednesday.
The government believed the date for a general election to be decided by the Election Commission would allow adequate time for campaigning by political parties and their candidates and not disadvantage anyone, the announcement said.
His Majesty the King on Wednesday issued a royal decree for a general election, which took immediate effect, and the Election Commission is compelled to set a date within five days.
The PM's Office announcement said the general election process would not exceed the 150-day time frame set by the organic law governing the election of MPs, which is already in effect.
“This means that a House of Representatives and a new government under a democratic system with His Majesty the King as Head of State will be in place by the middle of this year, which is in accordance with the schedule set down several months ago,’’ the statement said.
The government asked all Thais to help maintain a constructive environment of orderliness, civility and unity over the duration of the general election and the organising of the Coronation Ceremony for the auspiciousness of the nation.
Political campaigning and the presentation of policy platforms could be undertaken through democratic processes, so that the soundest and most viable proposals are presented to the people.
However, conflicts or disputes that could create a political crisis, similar to those in the past, would not be allowed to reoccur, the announcement said.