"The government is responsible for preparing the Royal Decree for the new election and the EC is in charge of consulting with all parties before advising the government on the date," he said.

A meeting last month agreed on October 15 for the new poll for MPs but the EC stands ready to recommend an alternate day if requested by the government, he said.

Speculation has spread about a delay for the vote because of the pending court battle that could end in the dissolution of five political parties, including the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat parties.

ANTI-GOVT PROTESTS : Police summon PAD

Leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have been asked by police to respond to charges that they endangered national security with their long anti-government protests.

PAD spokesman Suriyasai Katasila said he and colleagues, including senator elect Rosana Tositrakul, had been told to report to police on Wednesday to acknowledge the charges.

These include plotting to overthrow the government, violating the Constitution, destabilising the state and obstructing traffic.

Suriyasai said he and other PAD leaders would meet to decide if they would answer the charges.

"We have done nothing wrong. Our demonstrations were peaceful and within our legal rights," he insisted.

The PAD believes the government is behind the charges.

ANTI-CORruption AGENCY : Candidates to be quizzed this week

The Senate subcommittee charged with verifying the qualifications and backgrounds of the 18 short-listed candidates for the national anti-graft agency will allow the candidates to outline their views this week.

It was agreed at yesterday's meeting of the panel that from Wednesday to Friday candidates for the National Counter-Corruption Commission would each be allowed 15 minutes to address subcommittee members, panel spokeswoman Maleerat Kaewka said.

The panel will conduct in-depth background checks and assess candidates' possible political links. It is expected to complete its task in a month.