Second flawed poll 'possible'
The opposition Democrat, Chat Thai and Mahachon parties warned yesterday of a second botched general election if the three remaining election commissioners are involved in overseeing the new poll.
"The three parties are concerned that the new election might not be honest and fair," said Democrat deputy leader Jurin Laksanavisit.Jurin spoke after chairing a meeting of the opposition alliance yesterday to analyse the political situation. He repeated the opposition's call for the clection commissioners to step aside, as urged by top judges. The departure of the EC members would pave the way for judges to nominate new people for the election body before the new poll, he said. The EC has earmarked October 15 for the next ballot. The commissioners' credibility would not be restored even if caretaker Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrua managed to fill the two vacant seats, Jurin said. In a controversial move last week, Suchon sought to fill the two vacant places on the EC - caused by the resignation of one member and death of another. The full bench of 86 judges will debate Suchon's request on Wednesday, but legal pundits suggest the court may postpone any decision pending a judicial review of whether the three remaining members can legally hold office. Jurin said Suchon, the EC and the caretaker government should comply with - and not stall - moves to end the crisis as outlined by the senior judges.
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