February 2 election on track: Thai EC

[webfact]

FEBRUARY 2 ELECTION
Election on track: EC
The Nation


Election commissioner Thirawat Thirarojwit is mobbed by reporters and cameramen during an Election Commission press conference yesterday.

Candidates who failed to register in South should go to court; red shirts' marches to avoid Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- The Election Commission said yesterday that the February 2 poll would continue as planned, with no extension for candidate registration in 28 constituencies disrupted by protesters in provinces in the South.

Meanwhile, the government yesterday opted not to impose an emergency decree ahead of mass anti-government rallies in coming weeks. Pro-government red shirts also decided to avoid Bangkok and surrounding provinces when they gather in support of the election and the government.

Election commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said the EC was not empowered to postpone the election or extend the candidacy registration period.

Protesters managed to disrupt registration in eight southern provinces, resulting in no candidates registering in 28 constituencies in those areas.

Election commissioner Thirawat Thirarojwit said there had been no change to the February 2 schedule, and the members of the EC "will continue doing our duty and hold the election, whatever happens".

"Everybody is aware the road ahead is difficult," he said. "Our duty is to drive the boat. We see a storm ahead and we issued a warning."

EC members met yesterday to discuss problems in the run-up to the poll.

The commission's secretary-general, Puchong Nutrawong, explained that any extension of registration would affect the schedule for 150,000 Thai expatriates overseas and another 2.5 million eligible voters registered for advance voting.

He suggested that aspiring election candidates who failed to register should petition the Supreme Court for confirmation of their status as candidates. He also dismissed speculation some EC members would resign before the poll.

Meanwhile, pro-government red shirts will avoid the capital, surrounding provinces and the South when they gather on January 13 to oppose the "Bangkok shutdown" on that day, according to red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua.

This is to avoid the risk of confrontation with people backing the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), said Natthawut, who is also caretaker deputy commerce minister.

He said the rally would focus on campaigning against a coup and support of the February 2 election. The PDRC wants the poll postponed until "reforms" can be imposed by an unelected "people's council".

Natthawut said pro-election processions would be held on main streets of provinces in the North, Northeast, and Central regions. People who participate in these would be asked not to wear red so as to create the perception that they are "democracy lovers", and not just red shirts, he said.

The marches will be shown live on the red shirts' satellite-based television stations.

Jatuporn Promphan, another red-shirt leader, likened the PDRC plan to hold protests at many junctions in Bangkok to an attempted coup.

He said that if the group, led by veteran politician Suthep Thaugsuban, managed to seize political power, it would be a major setback for democracy and the people.

"In this situation, the democratic force should come out in a show of force. Suthep's movement should not be allowed to create chaos," he said.

Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday met with senior officials from security agencies, including military commanders, during a meeting of the Internal Security Operations Command. She also serves as head of the Isoc ex officio.

National security chief Paradorn Pattanatabut said the shutting down of Bangkok by anti-government protesters on January 13 was not expected to escalate to the point where an emergency decree to deal with massive demonstrations was necessary.

Military and police would jointly monitor developments but a preliminary assessment concluded that the situation would not reach a critical level.

If it does turn out to be necessary, the caretaker PM could instantly declare an emergency decree, he said.

Yingluck was due to chair a security meeting with high-ranking military and police later yesterday to map out preparations for the "shutdown", which could paralyse the capital.

Paradorn said anti-government protesters were not armed and previous violent clashes between police and demonstrators were infiltrated by a "third party".

"We have to be more cautious and adjust our security measures to prevent third-party intervention. We don't believe there will be a confrontation between pro- and anti-government groups" on January 13, he said.

A building at the Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road has been turned into a temporary office for Yingluck, who has been unable to work at Government House, which has been blocked by protesters since last month.


-- The Nation 2014-01-04

[webfact]

Election Commission confirms Feb 2 snap poll as scheduled
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 4 - Thailand's Election Commission (EC) will go ahead with the February 2 general election despite failure to register candidates for the constituency system in six southern provinces, it was announced today.

EC secretary general Puchong Nutrawong stood firm that five EC members who refused to resign will carry out preparations for the snap poll, adding that the election registration which ended on Wednesday will not be extended.

The government has asked the EC to add a few more days to the election registration after disruptions in some provinces.

In the six provinces where constituency candidates are vacant, voters will go to the poll to cast their ballots for party-list candidates, he said.

The election procedure requires a voter to cast two ballots - one for party-list candidates and the other for constituency candidates.

Mr Puchong said 123 potential candidates who could not file their registrations due to uncontrollable factors had lodged complaints with police. They will be required to file lawsuits with the Supreme Court. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-01-04

[h90]

So the EC is holding an election which is clearly wrong because candidates could not register in the south.

A couple of days ago they wanted to resign, if the government doesn't postpone the election, now they don't want.

What "good arguments" from Dubai changed their minds?

[Scamper]

So the election goes ahead, even though 28 constiuncies are without candidates, thereby nullifying the results before the election even takes place. As to the Supreme Court, it is very hard to imagine that they would allow the registration of candidates outside the purview of the EC, the official electoral organizing body. We simply will have a parliament that cannot open. Square one.

[NanLaew]

I can see it clearly now. Suthep's 5-man band manages to give Bangkok (more) chronic traffic constipation whilst the other team, standing by their promise not to confront their rivals in Bangkok, place their own blockade on the higways into the city in an effort to 'cure' the chronically constipated Bangkok masses.

[FangFerang]

I never saw two one-way roads dead end into each other before.

No, wait, it happened during the US government shutdown a few months back...

[pkspeaker]

Why the hell not register at the supreme court!? It's just registration, they only need to show the court who they are (candidates for MP), the grievance that since these anti-democracy protesters sabatoged their attempts to run for office, the people's right to choose their representation in parliament has been denied, and the entire election and elected parliament will be derailed, at exessive costs to the state and the public, if the court doesn't remedy the situation and allow them to register. This is what supreme courts are for.

If they have the power to prevent the entire election being sabotaged, and who's to say they don't? They're the supreme court, they should remedy this outrage in the south by getting these people on the list.

The protesters should not be allowed to force Yingluck from office unless they un-elect her. They cannot be allowed to screw-up the system so that an 'appointed' person takes over. That is when democracy is lost to elitist dictatorship.

If they do screw up the Feb2 election, then she must stay on as caretaker until an election can take place, otherwise the country is allowing a violent mob to choose who will run the country.

So the election goes ahead, even though 28 constiuncies are without candidates, thereby nullifying the results before the election even takes place. As to the Supreme Court, it is very hard to imagine that they would allow the registration of candidates outside the purview of the EC, the official electoral organizing body. We simply will have a parliament that cannot open. Square one.

[trainman34014]

The election is on track to nowhere....rather like the high speed train eh !

[millwall_fan]

As I understand it, after Feb 2nd, the EC must issue writs for by-elections in the 28 affected constituencies. Once those have been held, and assuming the requisite turnout, parliament can convene. It's not ideal, but Suthep's thugs must not be allowed to derail the democratic process.

[truk39]

So the election goes ahead, even though 28 constiuncies are without candidates, thereby nullifying the results before the election even takes place. As to the Supreme Court, it is very hard to imagine that they would allow the registration of candidates outside the purview of the EC, the official electoral organizing body. We simply will have a parliament that cannot open. Square one.

After Feb 2, I assume the EC will call new elections for the 28 constituencies that do not result in a legally elected MP as outlined in the Organic Act on Elections...Sections 8, 9, and 88 seem pertinent...(http://www.ect.go.th/english/files/Organic%20Act%20on%20MP%20Election%20&%20Installation%20of%20Senators%20by%20IFES.pdf)

[Bakseeda]

Would it not just be simple to give Issan autonomy...let the Reds have from Korat North. And New Thailand from Korat South... Easy.... and send all the monkeys back home...

[siampolee]

millwall_fan post # 9

As I understand it, after Feb 2nd, the EC must issue writs for by-elections in the 28 affected constituencies. Once those have been held, and assuming the requisite turnout, parliament can convene. It's not ideal, but Suthep's thugs must not be allowed to derail the democratic process.

Unlike the Thaksin P.T.P. puppet government and its pushing for an amnesty criminal whitewashing bill and a charter rewrite.

Perchance that you may read my signature on the bottom of the post. That signature comment came from Thaksin himself, Democracy ?

No under a Thaksin puppet government it would be a Dem(on)ocracy

Edited January 4, 2014 by siampolee

[Ulic]

The EC is all over the place with its statements. A bunch of buffoons is the description that comes to mind.

[rickirs]

Election commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said the EC was not empowered to postpone the election. Finally the EC figured out the law it is supposed to support! And their recommendation that candidates who were blocked from registering go to the Supreme Court is genius. Those candidates should automatically get registered by showing their driver licenses. In so far as 28 districts being blocked from candidate registration, that will not invalidate the election results unless only one party has registered and fails to get 95% of the national vote. Game, Set, Match.

[cbluck58]

Would it not just be simple to give Issan autonomy...let the Reds have from Korat North. And New Thailand from Korat South... Easy.... and send all the monkeys back home... alt=wai2.gif pagespeed_url_hash=1722055545>

And you with them - how do you get off calling people monkeys you <deleted> !

[fab4]

millwall_fan post # 9

As I understand it, after Feb 2nd, the EC must issue writs for by-elections in the 28 affected constituencies. Once those have been held, and assuming the requisite turnout, parliament can convene. It's not ideal, but Suthep's thugs must not be allowed to derail the democratic process.

Unlike the Thaksin P.T.P. puppet government and its pushing for an amnesty criminal whitewashing bill and a charter rewrite.

Perchance that you may read my signature on the bottom of the post. That signature comment came from Thaksin himself, Democracy ?

No under a Thaksin puppet government it would be a Dem(on)ocracy

You realise that the amnesty bill was passed to the Senate democratically , don't you? However much you (and I, for that matter) may not like the content of the bill it passed it's 3rd reading after 19 hours of debate. The fact that dems walked out and boycotted the vote does not make it any less democratic.

Yet you seem to think that blockading candidates from registering for a Royally decreed Election is OK - I can only assume that, from your insistence on blaming the democratically elected government (now caretaker) rather than condemn those who are really making a mockery of democracy.

[scorecard]

millwall_fan post # 9

As I understand it, after Feb 2nd, the EC must issue writs for by-elections in the 28 affected constituencies. Once those have been held, and assuming the requisite turnout, parliament can convene. It's not ideal, but Suthep's thugs must not be allowed to derail the democratic process.

Unlike the Thaksin P.T.P. puppet government and its pushing for an amnesty criminal whitewashing bill and a charter rewrite.

Perchance that you may read my signature on the bottom of the post. That signature comment came from Thaksin himself, Democracy ?

No under a Thaksin puppet government it would be a Dem(on)ocracy

You realise that the amnesty bill was passed to the Senate democratically , don't you? However much you (and I, for that matter) may not like the content of the bill it passed it's 3rd reading after 19 hours of debate. The fact that dems walked out and boycotted the vote does not make it any less democratic.

Yet you seem to think that blockading candidates from registering for a Royally decreed Election is OK - I can only assume that, from your insistence on blaming the democratically elected government (now caretaker) rather than condemn those who are really making a mockery of democracy.

Surely you jest.

[fish fingers]

millwall_fan post # 9

As I understand it, after Feb 2nd, the EC must issue writs for by-elections in the 28 affected constituencies. Once those have been held, and assuming the requisite turnout, parliament can convene. It's not ideal, but Suthep's thugs must not be allowed to derail the democratic process.

Unlike the Thaksin P.T.P. puppet government and its pushing for an amnesty criminal whitewashing bill and a charter rewrite.

Perchance that you may read my signature on the bottom of the post. That signature comment came from Thaksin himself, Democracy ?

No under a Thaksin puppet government it would be a Dem(on)ocracy

You realise that the amnesty bill was passed to the Senate democratically , don't you? However much you (and I, for that matter) may not like the content of the bill it passed it's 3rd reading after 19 hours of debate. The fact that dems walked out and boycotted the vote does not make it any less democratic.

Yet you seem to think that blockading candidates from registering for a Royally decreed Election is OK - I can only assume that, from your insistence on blaming the democratically elected government (now caretaker) rather than condemn those who are really making a mockery of democracy.

yeah sure.. Yingluck snuck it through at 4am in the morning and they even used unattended votes to get it though.. so in due course was ruled correctly by the Courts to be illegal. But the government refused to accept the Court decision, which in turn makes them an unconstitutional undemocratic government.

[fish fingers]

mockery of democracy.. what democracy is that.. one that buys rural votes and then buys rice at 40% over market price? Do you know how much that cost Thailand?

[brewsterbudgen]

mockery of democracy.. what democracy is that.. one that buys rural votes and then buys rice at 40% over market price? Do you know how much that cost Thailand?

Like the EU butter mountain? Hardly an original policy, and not a justification for overthrowing an elected government.

[Old Man River]

As I understand it, after Feb 2nd, the EC must issue writs for by-elections in the 28 affected constituencies. Once those have been held, and assuming the requisite turnout, parliament can convene. It's not ideal, but Suthep's thugs must not be allowed to derail the democratic process.

The 20% rule is in effect for 2 bi-elections and goes away on the third. In addition, these things don't happen quickly.

[fish fingers]

mockery of democracy.. what democracy is that.. one that buys rural votes and then buys rice at 40% over market price? Do you know how much that cost Thailand?

Like the EU butter mountain? Hardly an original policy, and not a justification for overthrowing an elected government.

if you believe that the last election made the current government legitimate, you either have a brain the size of a peanut or you have no idea what true democracy is.

Edited January 4, 2014 by fish fingers

[Jasun]

Would it not just be simple to give Issan autonomy...let the Reds have from Korat North. And New Thailand from Korat South... Easy.... and send all the monkeys back home...

It wouldn't be that simple because if you gave autonomy to all the provinces that voted 'Red' last time around, you'd be including not only Issan, but Northern Thailand and most of central Thailand including the capital's closest neighbours - Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Nakhom Pathom and Pathum Thani.

Why do you think protest have been limited to Bangkok and the South?

[h90]

So the election goes ahead, even though 28 constiuncies are without candidates, thereby nullifying the results before the election even takes place. As to the Supreme Court, it is very hard to imagine that they would allow the registration of candidates outside the purview of the EC, the official electoral organizing body. We simply will have a parliament that cannot open. Square one.

And if I got it right there in NST only the candidates from the big parties could register (per Helicopter) and candidates from smaller parties not.

That can't be valid +1 mistake

[fab4]

millwall_fan post # 9

As I understand it, after Feb 2nd, the EC must issue writs for by-elections in the 28 affected constituencies. Once those have been held, and assuming the requisite turnout, parliament can convene. It's not ideal, but Suthep's thugs must not be allowed to derail the democratic process.

Unlike the Thaksin P.T.P. puppet government and its pushing for an amnesty criminal whitewashing bill and a charter rewrite.

Perchance that you may read my signature on the bottom of the post. That signature comment came from Thaksin himself, Democracy ?

No under a Thaksin puppet government it would be a Dem(on)ocracy

You realise that the amnesty bill was passed to the Senate democratically , don't you? However much you (and I, for that matter) may not like the content of the bill it passed it's 3rd reading after 19 hours of debate. The fact that dems walked out and boycotted the vote does not make it any less democratic.

Yet you seem to think that blockading candidates from registering for a Royally decreed Election is OK - I can only assume that, from your insistence on blaming the democratically elected government (now caretaker) rather than condemn those who are really making a mockery of democracy.

yeah sure.. Yingluck snuck it through at 4am in the morning and they even used unattended votes to get it though.. so in due course was ruled correctly by the Courts to be illegal. But the government refused to accept the Court decision, which in turn makes them an unconstitutional undemocratic government.

Try again

"The 500-member House of Representatives passed the bill after 19 hours of acrimonious debate, which culminated in the entire opposition walking out of the chamber and refusing to vote. The bill was then passed with the 310 members from the pro-Thaksin ruling coalition left in the house voting for it and no votes against." http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1345268/thai-parliament-moves-closer-approving-amnesty-bill

It was then passed to the Senate.

The "unattended votes" incident took place during the "Senate appointment" amendment not the Amnesty Bill so your statement about the Amnesty Bill being ruled illegal is complete bull.

The government correctly challenged the CC's decision that the amendments to the constitution would violate section 68 i.e would be acts to overthrow the method of government with the King as the Head of State. This charge was brought by the dems (who else) and asked for the PTP to be dissolved - the CC refused to do this, which is strange - you're either overthrowing the State or you're not. Once again the CC were shown to be making things up as they go along. Effectively this ruling means that no amendments can be made to the existing constitution, ever.

If you think the above makes the PTP an unconstitutional undemocratic government you need to change your sources of information or at the very least expand them.

Edited January 4, 2014 by fab4

[Old Man River]

millwall_fan post # 9

As I understand it, after Feb 2nd, the EC must issue writs for by-elections in the 28 affected constituencies. Once those have been held, and assuming the requisite turnout, parliament can convene. It's not ideal, but Suthep's thugs must not be allowed to derail the democratic process.

Unlike the Thaksin P.T.P. puppet government and its pushing for an amnesty criminal whitewashing bill and a charter rewrite.

Perchance that you may read my signature on the bottom of the post. That signature comment came from Thaksin himself, Democracy ?

No under a Thaksin puppet government it would be a Dem(on)ocracy

You realise that the amnesty bill was passed to the Senate democratically , don't you? However much you (and I, for that matter) may not like the content of the bill it passed it's 3rd reading after 19 hours of debate. The fact that dems walked out and boycotted the vote does not make it any less democratic.

Yet you seem to think that blockading candidates from registering for a Royally decreed Election is OK - I can only assume that, from your insistence on blaming the democratically elected government (now caretaker) rather than condemn those who are really making a mockery of democracy.

yeah sure.. Yingluck snuck it through at 4am in the morning and they even used unattended votes to get it though.. so in due course was ruled correctly by the Courts to be illegal. But the government refused to accept the Court decision, which in turn makes them an unconstitutional undemocratic government.

Try again

"The 500-member House of Representatives passed the bill after 19 hours of acrimonious debate, which culminated in the entire opposition walking out of the chamber and refusing to vote. The bill was then passed with the 310 members from the pro-Thaksin ruling coalition left in the house voting for it and no votes against." http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1345268/thai-parliament-moves-closer-approving-amnesty-bill

It was then passed to the Senate.

The "unattended votes" incident took place during the "Senate appointment" amendment not the Amnesty Bill so your statement about the Amnesty Bill being ruled illegal is complete bull.

The government correctly challenged the CC's decision that the amendments to the constitution would violate section 68 i.e would be acts to overthrow the method of government with the King as the Head of State. This charge was brought by the dems (who else) and asked for the PTP to be dissolved - the CC refused to do this, which is strange - you're either overthrowing the State or you're not. Once again the CC were shown to be making things up as they go along. Effectively this ruling means that no amendments can be made to the existing constitution, ever.

If you think the above makes the PTP an unconstitutional undemocratic government you need to change your sources of information or at the very least expand them.

The thing about Thai law is that it is based on codified law. Therefore, there are no precedents from previous decisions. You can have the same set of circumstances and then different decisions. It is all up to the interpretations of the judges at any given time.

[brewsterbudgen]

mockery of democracy.. what democracy is that.. one that buys rural votes and then buys rice at 40% over market price? Do you know how much that cost Thailand?

Like the EU butter mountain? Hardly an original policy, and not a justification for overthrowing an elected government.

if you believe that the last election made the current government legitimate, you either have a brain the size of a peanut or you have no idea what true democracy is.

So you think Suthep's anti-democracy movement is true democracy? Sorry, swing it any way you like and resort to insults if that's easier for you, but Yingluck's government was a legitimately elected government.

[Old Man River]

mockery of democracy.. what democracy is that.. one that buys rural votes and then buys rice at 40% over market price? Do you know how much that cost Thailand?

Like the EU butter mountain? Hardly an original policy, and not a justification for overthrowing an elected government.

if you believe that the last election made the current government legitimate, you either have a brain the size of a peanut or you have no idea what true democracy is.

So you think Suthep's anti-democracy movement is true democracy? Sorry, swing it any way you like and resort to insults if that's easier for you, but Yingluck's government was a legitimately elected government.

Suthep's group is not about democracy. It never was.

[ggold]

Why the hell not register at the supreme court!? It's just registration, they only need to show the court who they are (candidates for MP), the grievance that since these anti-democracy protesters sabatoged their attempts to run for office, the people's right to choose their representation in parliament has been denied, and the entire election and elected parliament will be derailed, at exessive costs to the state and the public, if the court doesn't remedy the situation and allow them to register. This is what supreme courts are for.

If they have the power to prevent the entire election being sabotaged, and who's to say they don't? They're the supreme court, they should remedy this outrage in the south by getting these people on the list.

The protesters should not be allowed to force Yingluck from office unless they un-elect her. They cannot be allowed to screw-up the system so that an 'appointed' person takes over. That is when democracy is lost to elitist dictatorship.

If they do screw up the Feb2 election, then she must stay on as caretaker until an election can take place, otherwise the country is allowing a violent mob to choose who will run the country.

So the election goes ahead, even though 28 constiuncies are without candidates, thereby nullifying the results before the election even takes place. As to the Supreme Court, it is very hard to imagine that they would allow the registration of candidates outside the purview of the EC, the official electoral organizing body. We simply will have a parliament that cannot open. Square one.

So your solution is to go against the constitution regarding candidate registration! Also you obviously don't care if the government scam the country and try to change the constitution for their own benefit? All in the name of democracy! The system in Thailand is already screwed or hadn't you noticed. That's how Yingluck stays on as caretaker puppet.

[ggold]

millwall_fan post # 9

As I understand it, after Feb 2nd, the EC must issue writs for by-elections in the 28 affected constituencies. Once those have been held, and assuming the requisite turnout, parliament can convene. It's not ideal, but Suthep's thugs must not be allowed to derail the democratic process.

Unlike the Thaksin P.T.P. puppet government and its pushing for an amnesty criminal whitewashing bill and a charter rewrite.

Perchance that you may read my signature on the bottom of the post. That signature comment came from Thaksin himself, Democracy ?

No under a Thaksin puppet government it would be a Dem(on)ocracy

, don't you? However much you (and I, for that matter) may not like the content of the bill it passed it's 3rd reading after 19 hours of debate. The fact that dems walked out and boycotted the vote does not make it any less democratic.

Yet you seem to think that blockading candidates from registering for a Royally decreed Election is OK - I can only assume that, from your insistence on blaming the democratically elected government (now caretaker) rather than condemn those who are really making a mockery of democracy.

You realise that the amnesty bill was passed to the Senate democratically

And the constitutional court voted that it was indeed unconstitutional, at which point PTP said they do not recognise the courts decision. Would that be democratic in your eyes?

And it is undemocratic for people to demonstrate against what they see to be a corrupt government. As you say "making a mockery of democracy"

Do you understand the meaning of democracy?