The Election Commission is considering postponing the election because over one-third of the candidates have been disqualified, leaving more than half of the constituencies in 71 provinces with just one candidate, EC chairman Vasana Puemlarp said yesterday.

"We are thinking of [postponing the election day] because of the information we have now," Vasana said.

"I have asked myself whether it would be a waste of state funds if the election goes ahead and a House of Representatives cannot convene and a government cannot be formed," he said.

"I am worried that the EC may not be able to ensure a perfect election. This is a big issue. It's not easy to make a decision about this. But we will have to do it soon," the EC chief said.

The election is currently scheduled to be held on April 2. A new election would have to be held by April 25 because of constitutional requirements that a poll be organised within 60 days of a House dissolution.

Of the 941 candidates registered earlier this month, 320 have failed to qualify, mostly because of they held dual party membership or failed to meet the 90-day rule, Vasana said yesterday.

A total of 271 out of the 400 constituencies in 71 provinces have just one candidate contesting, according to the EC chief.

Samut Sakhon's Constituency 3 is likely to have no candidate after Thai Rak Thai's Udom Kraiwatnusorn was also disqualified. A Supreme Court ruling is expected tomorrow on whether the EC order stands, following an appeal by Udom.

Vasana said the polling agency was going to request the Supreme Court revoke the right of another 84 candidates who had earlier been endorsed by regional EC offices but were later found to lack certain qualifications.

"If the court agrees, there will be more constituencies with just one candidate," he said.

Earlier in the day, election commissioner Prinya Nakchudtree said it was likely the agency would go ahead with the April 2 general election. "As of now, we will have to go ahead as planned," Prinya said.

However, he said the EC would postpone the election if political parties agreed to that. But certain major parties had told the agency they would not take part in the election even if it was set back, he said.