Somchai was reacting to reports that the Senate could not meet this week's deadline for the appointment of the Election Commission (EC) and that the balloting day would have to be rescheduled in order to overcome time constraints for electoral preparations.

"Thai Rak Thai candidates always keep in touch with their constituents and the people are familiar with the party's policies," Somchai said, voicing confidence to garner support regardless of the election day.

He said Cabinet members and senior party executives would fan out to help electoral candidates wooing votes.

"Each minister will supervise campaign activities in two to three constituencies," he said.

He also dismissed speculation that his party's candidates might switch loyalty because the delayed balloting would overcome the 90day rule needed to run under other banners.

"I don't think that former government MPs would jump ship because the ruling party has already endorsed their candidacy," he said.

Democrat Party spokesman Ongart Klampaiboon said his party was ready to contest the new election at the date decreed by the EC.

"Should the new EC deem it necessary to postpone the polls, the Democrats have no objection on the matter," he said.

Democrat Party deputy leader Jurin Laksanavisit said the government should not rush to speculate that the revised election day would fall on November 15, noting that the EC has yet to take office before deciding on the matter.

The Nation