PM criticised for setting election day without consulting

Meanwhile, EC member Sodsri Satayathum blasted Surayud and Apichart for announcing the election day without consulting political parties.

Apichart said the meeting concluded December 23 was the most proper day for holding the national poll. The EC would ask the government a Bt1.9-billion budget for managing the election nationwide.

EC secretary-general Suthiphon Thaveechaigarn said the election decree was expected to be effective by late October after being announced in the Royal Gazette. Thus, MP candidates would be able to register by early November, he said.

Surayud said he would have to wait until three organic bills related to the election management became laws before he handed the election decree for royal endorsement. The bills covering political parties, elections and the EC are now under readings of the National Legislative Assembly.

He said the vote will enable the existing caretaker civilian government to give way to a popularly elected government with a mandate to revive the economy and maintain national unity.

The election date is set after the country passed national referendum on the draft charter on August 19.

Asked if the martial law which had existed in a number of northern and northeastern provinces should be cancelled to make the election fair for all parties, Surayud said the issue had nothing to do with the fairness. Instead he believed the EC would handle the polls effectively.

He ruled out a speculation that a "political accident" would occur, making the election aborted. All parties were only looking forward to the election as the road to restore democracy.

Earlier before the meeting with the EC chairman, Surayud Chulanont assured Thai ambassadors and consuls that the next election would be held late this year. During the meeting at the Foreign Ministry, he said the next government would be formed within February

Meanwhile, Sodsri said Surayud and Apichart announced the election day without consulting all parties related to the election.

"I doubt whose resolution [on the election day] they are referring to," she said.

Earlier, she said, she had warned them through an interview with the press that they should consult with political parties before making a conclusion.

The Constitution Court [dissolved by before the September coup] ruled last year to cancel the April 2, 2006 poll because the former EC set the election day without consulting with political parties, making them unprepared for the poll, she said.

Sodsri regarded the yesterday's announcement as the resolution of only Surayud and Apichart, not that of all EC members, she said.

Both of them should call for a meeting with political parties to let them know officially, she added.