Election date delayed not sooner than Nov 19 : EC office
The new election commissioners will be asked to consider recommendations from Election Commission (EC) staff that a general election be held no sooner than November 19.
EC deputy secretary general Sathaporn Santibutr would recommend an election date "not sooner than November 19", he said Monday. Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said his party had no difficulty with a postponed election. The new commissioners needed to get settled and had local elections to endorse. Nevertheless, a free and fair general election should be held as soon as possible. He said the new commissioners would face considerable pressure and expectations from the public. However, political parties should not interfere with the selecŽtion of a new commission secreŽtarygeneral. Former secretary general Ekachai Warunprapa submitted his resignation on August 17. Some support has emerged for former senator Kaewsan Atibhoti, an unsuccessful candidate for a commissioner's position. Thai Rak Thai Party spokesman Sita Divari cast doubt over the neuŽtrality of Kaewsan, citing his parŽticipation in a campaign against caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Chat Thai Party leader Banharn Silapaarcha said an election could be held on November 19 or 26. "If it is in the fourth week of November it will be on the 26th. Will that be too close to His Majesty the King's birthday? The 19th or the 26th are suitable, but I want to know when the registration days are. I don't think it should be after November or be as late as December," he said. The Nation
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