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Published on August 29, 2007

Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban said the election date, when it is officially announced, will benefit the nation and will remove the prevailing sense of uncertainty.

Suthep said the EC did

not have to consult with political parties and it was the duty of parties to prepare for the poll.

"If the government has good intentions of holding the election on December 23 and the EC is prepared, consultation with parties is not the issue," Suthep said.

Previously, EC member Sodsri Satayathum claimed that failure to consult with political parties could lead to the election being cancelled.

But the EC chairman said the commission had talked with several parties and all agreed that the December 23 date was acceptable.

The People Power Party welcomes the December 23 date and is ready for the election, its spokesman said.

Kuthep Saikrajang said the party was not concerned [about the election date] as the decision was under the authority of the state.

The Nation