PM Yingluck: Govt cannot move election date

[webfact]

PM: Govt cannot move election date

BANGKOK, 20 December 2013 (NNT) – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is adamant that the government has no authority to reschedule the election, which has already been set to take place on February 2 next year.

The Election Commission (EC) previously expressed concerns that there would be disruptions to the general election if the date remained fixed on February 2. The commission therefore recommended that the government and the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) work out a new election date together so that it would be acceptable to both sides.

However, as a response, Prime Minister Yingluck has confirmed that the power to assign a new date for the poll does not rest with the government. She said she was open to any suggestions but would have to consult the legal team as well as academics first.

Meanwhile, Election Commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn has expressed readiness for the registration of party-list MP candidates which will take place during December 23-27 at Keelawes 2 Building of the Thai-Japanese Youth Center in the Din Daeng area. Applications will be accepted from 8.30 am-4.30 pm. Mr Somchai said tight security would be provided by the police while urging the candidates to make sure they brought all the required documents with them.


-- NNT 2013-12-20

[Noi657]

It's like the film "the never ending story" February 5th elections, ting luck wins again, yellow carry on regardless!

[ggold]

It's like the film "the never ending story" February 5th elections, ting luck wins again, yellow carry on regardless!

How about "Every Which Way but Loose" the dems win, and the redshirts return to burn Bangkok! (lol, after all it is a comedy!) Because what ever happens now neither side will accept loosing!

Edited December 19, 2013 by ggold

[Robby nz]

Only yesterday she said she knew there was a way it could be done.

The EC told her that there was and she accepted what they said.

[NongKhaiKid]

Do any of them know the election rules or is it the usual story of make it up as they go along ?

[sirineou]

call me naive but,

If Yingluck" democratic election is not excepted by the opposition, and allowed to serve full 4 year term at which time the opposition would have it's turn at making their case to the electorate and perhaps winning,

whats to prevent the reds from doing the same to the opposition if they should gain power? Is the situation in Thailand so bad that it can't wait until the end of Yinglucks term?

Edited December 19, 2013 by sirineou

[Smokemachine]

EVerything out from her mouth are BS.

Remember what she used to say? She willing to do anything so long to bring back peace and happiness for the nation.

But look at her now. People did not reject election voting but just want to defer the election date due to the fear of civil unrest. She cant compromise and now even said EC has no right to change the date.

Obviously she know the consequences of having the election on 2 feb yet she insist to carry on.

Once again, she has prove to us nation and citizens are not in her top priorities.

Only 2.2trillions baht in their heads.

period.

[Tatsujin]

It might be me (with my over-simplistic way of thinking) but can they not just ask the King to move the date, pretty please? Is it that damn hard?

[Thaddeus]

call me naive but,

If Yingluck" democratic election is not excepted by the opposition, and allowed to serve full 4 year term at which time the opposition would have it's turn at making their case to the electorate and perhaps winning,

whats to prevent the reds from doing the same to the opposition if they should gain power? Is the situation in Thailand so bad that it can't wait until the end of Yinglucks term?

What would you do with a pan that is boiling over?

Turn down the heat, or burn the pan, ruin the cooker and make a mess of the floor?

(but the sticker said it had a four year guarantee)

[whybother]

call me naive but,

If Yingluck" democratic election is not excepted by the opposition, and allowed to serve full 4 year term at which time the opposition would have it's turn at making their case to the electorate and perhaps winning,

whats to prevent the reds from doing the same to the opposition if they should gain power? Is the situation in Thailand so bad that it can't wait until the end of Yinglucks term?

The red shirts already did that.

[Thait Spot]

Maybe the Dems' should campaign on the basis of immediately appointing a neutral committee to oversee the required political reforms and calling another election once it is complete

[sirineou]

call me naive but,

If Yingluck" democratic election is not excepted by the opposition, and allowed to serve full 4 year term at which time the opposition would have it's turn at making their case to the electorate and perhaps winning,

whats to prevent the reds from doing the same to the opposition if they should gain power? Is the situation in Thailand so bad that it can't wait until the end of Yinglucks term?

What would you do with a pan that is boiling over?

Turn down the heat, or burn the pan, ruin the cooker and make a mess of the floor?

(but the sticker said it had a four year guarantee)

I did not notice any boiling over until the opposition turned up the heat,So I agree let's turn down the heat before the pan boils over,

,and behave under the same rules you would want others to behave towards you,

Unless the opposition if it gains power during the coming elections does not mind being overthrown in a couple of years by an unruly red shirt mob

Ok so Lets abandon democracy for the rule of mob, it should do wonders for Thailand

[gerry1011]

To delay the elections would not change anything in the power struggle between the Dems and the PT.

The Dems hope that "technical reforms" will put them at a lesser disadvantage but they are wrong.

The Dems are never voted in because the majority of the people just don't like them.

They have nothing to offer to the people. They have no global vision for the country.

They are stuck in the past while the world is going forward.

A "reform" of the electoral system cannot help them.

They need to reform themselves and the way they do politics.

PT and Thaksin are far smarter than the Dems and the old guard. They have plans for the country, they have plans for the people, the economy, the good relations with neighboring countries, infrastructure, ... while the Dems prefer to keep Thailand as it was in the good old days (with most people ruled by the "elite").

As to the corruption bla bla bla excuse to ask for "reforms", it is laughable.

The corruption problem is something that should be addressed collectively. Not by a bunch of corrupt politicians accusing other politicians to be corrupt. According to studies, the more you go up in the society the more corruption is accepted. So these "educated" naive people protesting in Bangkok and Suthep' supporters may suffer even more if there was no corruption.

Anyway, the battle against corruption has nothing to do with the current protests. It is just about a minority not accepting the majority.

If Suthep and his naive (some of them criminal) followers want the "reform" that the Dems could have done when they were (shortly) put in power, but did not even talked about, they should follow the democratic system.

That means competing in the coming elections.

If they are allowed to change the system, then everybody will be allowed to do the same in the future, each time there is a disagreement, which is a non sense... Especially since at the moment we only hear the request of the minority, while the majority is not heard (yet).

Sent from my HTC One using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[binjalin]

What is wrong with the EC keep changing their "communications" it's happening - oh maybe it won't bla bla bla

it's an election - contest it - argue/debate - win or lose

that's what democracy is and why USA had Bush for years, love it or hate it, that's what happens in elections

[monkey4u]

Let the Military take control of the country as they did in 2006.

Send little sister into exile and let us all enjoy a peaceful country

[ginjag]

To delay the elections would not change anything in the power struggle between the Dems and the PT. The Dems hope that "technical reforms" will put them at a lesser disadvantage but they are wrong. The Dems are never voted in because the majority of the people just don't like them. They have nothing to offer to the people. They have no global vision for the country. They are stuck in the past while the world is going forward. A "reform" of the electoral system cannot help them. They need to reform themselves and the way they do politics. PT and Thaksin are far smarter than the Dems and the old guard. They have plans for the country, they have plans for the people, the economy, the good relations with neighboring countries, infrastructure, ... while the Dems prefer to keep Thailand as it was in the good old days (with most people ruled by the "elite"). As to the corruption bla bla bla excuse to ask for "reforms", it is laughable. The corruption problem is something that should be addressed collectively. Not by a bunch of corrupt politicians accusing other politicians to be corrupt. According to studies, the more you go up in the society the more corruption is accepted. So these "educated" naive people protesting in Bangkok and Suthep' supporters may suffer even more if there was no corruption. Anyway, the battle against corruption has nothing to do with the current protests. It is just about a minority not accepting the majority. If Suthep and his naive (some of them criminal) followers want the "reform" that the Dems could have done when they were (shortly) put in power, but did not even talked about, they should follow the democratic system. That means competing in the coming elections. If they are allowed to change the system, then everybody will be allowed to do the same in the future, each time there is a disagreement, which is a non sense... Especially since at the moment we only hear the request of the minority, while the majority is not heard (yet). Sent from my HTC One using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Did I read any words that blast the corrupt greedy family, no I read you blasting Suthep, not why there is protests, not that the country is functioning badly.

Your onesided misguided story is a joke. I love these homely red shirts that are the bees knees, and a government that in 2 and a half years have put Thailand on the world stage, economy booming, no scams Ha ha--and corruption at an all time high, election promises --non existent .

Thaksin is far smarter than the Dems ???? smart enough to run away.

[whybother]

I did not notice any boiling over until the opposition turned up the heat,So I agree let's turn down the heat before the pan boils over,

,and behave under the same rules you would want others to behave towards you,

Unless the opposition if it gains power during the coming elections does not mind being overthrown in a couple of years by an unruly red shirt mob

Ok so Lets abandon democracy for the rule of mob, it should do wonders for Thailand

"does not mind being overthrown in a couple of years by an unruly red shirt mob" again.

[Zolt]

It might be me (with my over-simplistic way of thinking) but can they not just ask the King to move the date, pretty please? Is it that dam_n hard?

Well actually it is. Not even the King can pass a decree that's a direct violation of the constitution, and in this case the constitution states the election must be held no later than 60 days after the dissolution. There is no obvious constitutional way to work around that.

[sirineou]

I did not notice any boiling over until the opposition turned up the heat,So I agree let's turn down the heat before the pan boils over,

,and behave under the same rules you would want others to behave towards you,

Unless the opposition if it gains power during the coming elections does not mind being overthrown in a couple of years by an unruly red shirt mob

Ok so Lets abandon democracy for the rule of mob, it should do wonders for Thailand

"does not mind being overthrown in a couple of years by an unruly red shirt mob" again.

Yes I agree, when do they stop this vicious cycle ? or is this going to be the political climate every year? How can a country survive under this uncertain political system? How can politicians concentrate governing the country when all they do is defend them selves from each other? Are Thailand's problems partly attributed to this instability? Are Thais shooting them selves on the foot.Has any one explained to then the inherent inadequacies of a circular firing squad?

So many queastions

[falangadang]

Ask Suthep about the Feb 2nd date and he says he's fine with it,....... in 2024!

[Tatsujin]

It might be me (with my over-simplistic way of thinking) but can they not just ask the King to move the date, pretty please? Is it that dam_n hard?

Well actually it is. Not even the King can pass a decree that's a direct violation of the constitution, and in this case the constitution states the election must be held no later than 60 days after the dissolution. There is no obvious constitutional way to work around that.

Yet it's happened before when Thaksin was "caretaker" and the EC also say it "can" be postponed.

Does anyone know their ass from their elbow here, or is lying to suit your own agenda so endemic that nothing that is said can be believed?

[Nibbles48]

What she doesn't realize is that the people are not asking for a delay of the election, the people are asking her and the PTP to kindly f***off out of it.

[Bpuumike]

EVerything out from her mouth are BS.

Remember what she used to say? She willing to do anything so long to bring back peace and happiness for the nation.

But look at her now. People did not reject election voting but just want to defer the election date due to the fear of civil unrest. She cant compromise and now even said EC has no right to change the date.

Obviously she know the consequences of having the election on 2 feb yet she insist to carry on.

Once again, she has prove to us nation and citizens are not in her top priorities.

Only 2.2trillions baht in their heads.

period.

You got that spot on

[gerry1011]

What she doesn't realize is that the people are not asking for a delay of the election, the people are asking her and the PTP to kindly f***off out of it.

Some don't realize that it is only "a minority of people" who want to (to put it in a more civilized way) overthrow, over and over again, the government elected by the majority, using criminal and unconstitutional ways to strip the PM, her family, the PT party, as well as the millions of people who democratically voted them in, of their right to decide by themselves who will be leading the country.

What the minority wants can hardly by interpreted as "what the people want"...

I suspect that the majority, if asked for its opinion, would want Suthep to " kindly f***off" (to use your own writing style).

Sent from my HTC One using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Bpuumike]

Let the Military take control of the country as they did in 2006.

Send little sister into exile and let us all enjoy a peaceful country

I'm sure it will happen.

Votes are very openly bought and nobody seems to want the opposition, especially in the form of Mr. S.

Only way I can see out of this mess.

Edited December 20, 2013 by Bpuumike

[Jasun]

It's like the film "the never ending story" February 5th elections, ting luck wins again, yellow carry on regardless!

How about "Every Which Way but Loose" the dems win, and the redshirts return to burn Bangkok! (lol, after all it is a comedy!) Because what ever happens now neither side will accept loosing!

How about Groundhog Day, where it doesn't matter who wins and we end up back where we started in 2-3 years from now.

[BuddyPinkham]

She said she was open to any suggestions but would have to consult the legal team as well as academics first.

TRANSLATION: As soon as she can get a clear telephone signal to Dubai and get her marching orders, she will get back to us with an answer!

[lostinsurin]

It might be me (with my over-simplistic way of thinking) but can they not just ask the King to move the date, pretty please? Is it that dam_n hard?

So what date do you suggest? I can't see a date both sides would be happy with, so whats the point?

TIT

It should work as you suggest, but will not here in the LOS

[scorecard]

It might be me (with my over-simplistic way of thinking) but can they not just ask the King to move the date, pretty please? Is it that dam_n hard?

Well actually it is. Not even the King can pass a decree that's a direct violation of the constitution, and in this case the constitution states the election must be held no later than 60 days after the dissolution. There is no obvious constitutional way to work around that.

Yet it's happened before when Thaksin was "caretaker" and the EC also say it "can" be postponed.

Does anyone know their ass from their elbow here, or is lying to suit your own agenda so endemic that nothing that is said can be believed?

Well there is plenty of precedent with the current caretaker government (any many other Thai governments) in terms of lying to build the perception they want to voters to believe swallow.

And folks generally within Thai politician parties / politicians have no quarms to say things / do things to achieve whatever they want with no morals or values, which politicians in many other countries would just not dare to do.

Examples:

- There would be little doubt that numerous lies have been told in the many attempts to explain the data / Baht numbers in the rice pledging scheme.

- The hearings about water control etc., are clearly managed / manipulated towards a certain line. They are in fact not open public hearings.

In terms of the election date several well established Thai legal eagles have indicated that there are ways to postpone / change the election date. The PT folks are not listening, for one simple reason, they don't want to listen.

Further, I,m starting to wonder if the new Election Commission president is making too many statements on this subject.

[Zolt]

In terms of the election date several well established Thai legal eagles have indicated that there are ways to postpone / change the election date. The PT folks are not listening, for one simple reason, they don't want to listen.

Further, I,m starting to wonder if the new Election Commission president is making too many statements on this subject.

Here's a pretty good analysis on the whole election date quandary.

http://asiancorrespondent.com/117342/can-the-election-be-delayed/

Yes, some legal heads have advanced ideas allowing to postpone the date, but none of them look really solid at all if you look at the text of the constitution. Only a ruling by the constitution court would give any kind of certainty.