Surayud hoping to keep promise

Junta leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin poses for photographs while ‘casting a vote’ yesterday during a campaign to encourage a good turnout in the August 19 referendum on the draft constitution.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont insisted yesterday he still favoured a general election this year despite a growing possibility it could be delayed until 2008.

"In my view we should hold the election this year. It's important to keep your word whenever possible," Surayud said.

The government and the Council for National Security (CNS) promised an election before the end of the year.

The prime minister had said he wanted to see an election on December 16 or December 23. He said more recently one could be held as early as November 25.

But, Surayud said yesterday a "clear date" for the next election could be set only after the referendum on the new constitution, which is scheduled for August 19.

"What we say now mostly involves estimates and guesswork. We don't know the outcome of the referendum, which will have an impact on the election date.

"If most voters support the draft constitution, things will go on as we expect," he said.

If the draft charter fails to pass the referendum, the CNS is empowered by its own interim constitution to select one or a combination of previous constitutions.

Surayud's comments came after the Constitution Drafting Assembly on Saturday approved a 60-day extension to the deadline for the completion of elections for the House of Representatives and Senate.

This allows the date for an election to be stretched into next year. The deadline was extended to 150 days from the publication of the bills regulating the election of both houses in the Royal Gazette. The deadline was 90 days previously.

Also on Saturday, CNS chairman Sonthi Boonyaratglin said after consultation with the Election Commission that it might be "difficult" to hold an election by the end of this year.

Sonthi yesterday added that he favoured an early election but, with growing concerns of a possible delay, discussions with the prime minister were now necessary.

The general rejected speculation the junta was seeking to prolong its stay in power.

"If you think the CNS wants to stay longer in power, you are wrong. I am one who wants to see an early election. I was supportive of the prime minister when he raised the idea of having an early election. But now, with academics cautioning against an early election, I'm beginning to have concerns," Sonthi said.

Election commissioner Sodsri Satayathum said yesterday the commission was ready to hold an election on any date suggested by the government - even as early as November 25.

She said, however, it depended on when electoral laws were completed. "It is up to the National Legislative Assembly - if it will be able to finish legislation within the timeframe," she said.

In a related development, a public opinion poll has found 42.8 per cent of 4,173 people in 24 provinces surveyed by Rajabhat Suan Dusit Institute want an early election. Of the respondents, 41.5 per cent said the most appropriate time was December.