Thai Poll may be delayed until September: EC

[webfact]

POLITICS
Poll may be delayed until September: EC
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation


Election Commission chairman Supachai Somcharoen, third from right, and secretary-general Puchong Nutrawong, second from right, greet representatives of parties who attended a meeting yesterday to discuss the date of a possible general election.

Democrats keep out of meeting of political parties, citing physical threat to Abhisit

BANGKOK: -- A new election could take place on July 20 at the earliest, but could be delayed until September. And if conflicting parties do not settle their differences before the election, the risk of another failed poll due to obstruction is "very high", Election Commission (EC) member Somchai Srisutthiyakorn told leaders of almost 60 political parties yesterday.

The meeting between the EC and the parties yesterday failed to finalise an election date. Somchai said the EC would have to consult on the date with the government. It proposed three choices: July 20, August 17 and September 14.

"If [some] poll units can't hold an election, we will [try] again. The EC will keep on setting elections until [an election] takes place at all polling units. We have a deadline of 180 days after election day [to have members of Parliament take their seats]," he said. "The problem is not with the EC or political parties, but with the conflicting parties that will have to settle their differences, otherwise the risk of having a failed election will be very high," said Somchai.

He said another concern was whether parties would have a problem campaigning in some parts of the country, adding that this could be a reason cited for a possible nullification of a new election.

Somchai was speaking to representatives from 58 parties attending the meeting. Conspicuously missing were representatives from the opposition Democrat Party, which boycotted the previous election. Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva cited safety concerns for his abrupt decision not to attend.

A former Democrat MP, Kulladej Puapattanakul, yesterday showed up outside the meeting venue at the Miracle Grand Convention Hotel with 30 security guards, saying they were prepared to protect Abhisit. The party later submitted a letter to the EC asking it to inform the Democrat Party of the results of the meeting.

Democrat spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut said later yesterday that the last-minute decision not to attend the meeting was made after detailed information was received about a plan to target Abhisit with violence. The party had also learned that an armed group had announced a possible suicide attack targeting Abhisit.

EC chairman Supachai Somcharoen said the EC had discussed the issue with the Democrats and agreed that Abhisit should not attend, as the possibility of violence could have a big impact on the meeting.

In the meeting room at the hotel, a large banner from the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) was placed on a side wall by a follower of monk Buddha Issara, a PDRC leader. It read: "Reform Before Election". The monk and 100 followers came to protest before the meeting began and vowed to obstruct any election if it was not preceded by national reform.

Bhokin Bhalakula, an adviser to the ruling Pheu Thai Party and deputy chair of its Party Affairs Committee, said it was imperative a new election take place as soon as possible.

Bhokin said it was best to settle differences through an election and not a gunfight. "If there's no casting of the ballots, then we can't solve the problems… Emotions are high and people are no longer using reason."

Bhokin added that until an election date is set, Thailand would remain in a state of limbo, rife with speculation about a possible coup.

"It's not important who will form the next government. Thailand must keep walking," Bhokin said.

Nikorn Chamnong, an adviser to the Chart Thai Pattana Party, said Thailand needed an election soon, as it could not afford to remain in a state of political vacuum.

Smaller political parties at the meeting, numbering more than 50, were unhappy with EC rules allotting 15 minutes each to the two major parties and three minutes to small parties.

Many asked how the EC could assure that a new election would not be nullified. Some asked whether the EC had taken legal action against those who obstructed the previous election. Others questioned what would happen if the Democrat Party did not participate and whether there would be an effective opposition.

Damrong Phidet, leader of the Forest Land Reclamation Party, said an election was badly needed. "The country is stuck. How can we live like this? If things continue like this we will continue to sink."

-- The Nation 2014-04-23

[Mango Bob]

They can hold elections in Afghanistan but can not in Thailand. Amazing. The EC should be trailed for delicious of duty. Need a new stronger EC who will not take sides, an Army who support the people right to vote, a police force to enforce the law, and a court who will not be bias in making decisions. Even if it means physical force or deadly force if necessary to enforce the laws. These are some of the reforms the country needs.

[issanaus]

They can hold elections in Afghanistan but can not in Thailand. Amazing. The EC should be trailed for delicious of duty. Need a new stronger EC who will not take sides, an Army who support the people right to vote, a police force to enforce the law, and a court who will not be bias in making decisions. Even if it means physical force or deadly force if necessary to enforce the laws. These are some of the reforms the country needs.

What is involved when some one is "trailed for delicious of duty"?

[Dr Bruce]

They can hold elections in Afghanistan but can not in Thailand. Amazing. The EC should be trailed for delicious of duty. Need a new stronger EC who will not take sides, an Army who support the people right to vote, a police force to enforce the law, and a court who will not be bias in making decisions. Even if it means physical force or deadly force if necessary to enforce the laws. These are some of the reforms the country needs.

What is involved when some one is "trailed for delicious of duty"?

I am sure that he means "Put on trial for dereliction of duty"

Grammar police are not allowed on this forum, and I think his meaning was clear.

[visionchaser45]

"Gangs of lawless thugs might disrupt any election we hold; therefore, no election will be held until there are no more lawless thugs, or until the lawless thugs succeed on their non-democratic mission." They should change their name to the "Non-Election Commission." 555

[The stuttering parrot]

Something wrong here!

Ok a completely unbiased statement for once against the nation.

The other newspapers headline is elections possible in June

So what is the true story ?

Nation or bp or neither?

[Mentors]

All awaiting for the big happening. First Suthep wants a group of "good people" for 18 month, EC want to delay elections anyway, courts nulfil elections.

Everyone who reads outside the controlled medias knows about what is all about.

And Thailand needs help from outside. They can not solve this mess alone anymore.

Edited April 23, 2014 by Mentors

[Thait Spot]

As far as I recall, the EC warned against holding elections in February due to their concerns over the political climate.

The government insisted. There was disruption as had been suggested. The police did absolutely nothing.

Government and police to blame along with PDRC.

It is completely wrong for the CAPO goons to attempt to take the high ground here

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[WhizBang]

Something wrong here!

Ok a completely unbiased statement for once against the nation.

The other newspapers headline is elections possible in June

So what is the true story ?

Nation or bp or neither?

Exactly. The 'other' paper contradicts this story.

I guess I will just chalk it up to the usual high standards of Thai journalism.

[fab4]

Maybe July, maybe September, maybe never? It's time, Somchai, that you resign, along with the rest of the anti-election commission, before you find yourselves in court for incompetence.

Just in case people were wondering how the present incumbents got their jobs after their predecessors were jailed in 2006

EC nominees 'are lobbying judges'

Several candidates for the Election Commission have lobbied Supreme Court judges for their votes, one judge said yesterday.

The candidates were campaigning hard to get selected and some judges were avoiding meeting candidates by not attending the court, the judge, who declined to be named, said

"Some candidates met judges directly and asked for their vote. Some brought other judges to lobby the judges. Some came to submit copies of certificates that show their credentials,'' he said.

The judge was sure the Supreme Court would select candidates fairly. There had been no interference or influence over the judges' decisions, he said.

Supreme Court judges found it hard to check the backgrounds of candidates whose occupation was not the law, he said.

They did not know if the candidates had political connections. Some candidates had close ties with the previous Election Commissioners and some had connections with political parties.

http://nationmultimedia.com/2006/08/04/politics/politics_30010349.php

Another fine example of an independent entity, all relying on the largesse of the Supreme Court Judges, who, of course, owe their jobs to the Military Junta.

This is Judicial nepotism writ large.

[WoopyDoo]

"Gangs of lawless thugs might disrupt any election we hold; therefore, no election will be held until there are no more lawless thugs, or until the lawless thugs succeed on their non-democratic mission." They should change their name to the "Non-Election Commission." 555

What on earth are you prattling on about?

How about instead of saying no election till the 'thugs' are all moved... why not be a little more intelligent and say... no more elections until the protesters are given what they are protesting for... a free and fair election????

Wouldn't that be a lot better???

They are not thugs... they are people who want to see the election process reformed so that the elections can be really democratic. So what is wrong with that???

Can you please provide an argument against electoral reforms, one that is coherent and logical?... also back up your argument as to why the election process is fine the way it is.

It is people like you who are holding this country back.... You are the sort of people who are actually 'undemocratic'. Because you think that people who are actually promoting true democracy are 'a problem' that needs to be 'removed'.

If the elections can't be held till September, then there is ample time to put electoral reforms in place to rigorously enforce electoral conduct, and make political parties 100% accountable for actions of their supporters.

Anyone who cares to disagree with me,please put forward your argument.

[BillyBobThai]

When some of us were young children, we would play games and pretend that we were in school. In todays Thailand, all of these self important people like to pretend that they have the where with all to run a functioning govermental body. For myself, I think that I would rather trust a group of young children.

Edited April 23, 2014 by BillyBobThai

[fab4]

"Gangs of lawless thugs might disrupt any election we hold; therefore, no election will be held until there are no more lawless thugs, or until the lawless thugs succeed on their non-democratic mission." They should change their name to the "Non-Election Commission." 555

What on earth are you prattling on about?

How about instead of saying no election till the 'thugs' are all moved... why not be a little more intelligent and say... no more elections until the protesters are given what they are protesting for... a free and fair election????

Wouldn't that be a lot better???

They are not thugs... they are people who want to see the election process reformed so that the elections can be really democratic. So what is wrong with that???

Can you please provide an argument against electoral reforms, one that is coherent and logical?... also back up your argument as to why the election process is fine the way it is.

It is people like you who are holding this country back.... You are the sort of people who are actually 'undemocratic'. Because you think that people who are actually promoting true democracy are 'a problem' that needs to be 'removed'.

If the elections can't be held till September, then there is ample time to put electoral reforms in place to rigorously enforce electoral conduct, and make political parties 100% accountable for actions of their supporters.

Anyone who cares to disagree with me,please put forward your argument.

You tell me what the electoral reforms are, who is going to implement them, how they are going to implement them and how long it is going to take - then I'll have something concrete to discuss with you. Until then, it's just babble.

[fab4]

They can hold elections in Afghanistan but can not in Thailand. Amazing. The EC should be trailed for delicious of duty. Need a new stronger EC who will not take sides, an Army who support the people right to vote, a police force to enforce the law, and a court who will not be bias in making decisions. Even if it means physical force or deadly force if necessary to enforce the laws. These are some of the reforms the country needs.

What is involved when some one is "trailed for delicious of duty"?

I am sure that he means "Put on trial for dereliction of duty"

Grammar police are not allowed on this forum, and I think his meaning was clear.

If someone can't express themselves correctly in their own language it doesn't say much for their thought process and implies a lack of attention to the subject being discussed. Proof reading would 2 minuets at the most.

Proof reading would 2 minuets at the most.

I couldn't agree with you more . You meant to do that, right?

Edited April 23, 2014 by fab4

[fab4]

mate, the only one trying to correct his spelling is you, I first thought that was possibly what he meant but the spellings/pronunciation are nothing alike by a country mile so it had me going. Thought he may have been eating at the time or that he meant that they would be tasty morsels, go figure, can always come in and correct it so we do know what exactly he meant, no offence but what was written and what you claim was meant are pretty different pronunciations/spellings.

Thats the beauty of the English language - even when letters are misspelt or left out, the meaning can usually still be ascertained. Just by using an ounce of common, know what I mean?

It's known as redundancy in the English language. Codebreakers used to exploit the principle.

Edited April 23, 2014 by fab4

[Stan7444]

Something wrong here!

Ok a completely unbiased statement for once against the nation.

The other newspapers headline is elections possible in June

So what is the true story ?

Nation or bp or neither?

Exactly. The 'other' paper contradicts this story.

I guess I will just chalk it up to the usual high standards of Thai journalism.

High standards of Thai jounalism??? Surely you jest. Maybe take the 2 stories and split the difference?

[srsv1238]

As far as I recall, the EC warned against holding elections in February due to their concerns over the political climate.

The government insisted. There was disruption as had been suggested. The police did absolutely nothing.

Government and police to blame along with PDRC.

It is completely wrong for the CAPO goons to attempt to take the high ground here

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

If the EC believed that there would be disruptions,mother should have asked and received assistance from the police or army to ensure that the elections would not be interrupted.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[srsv1238]

"Gangs of lawless thugs might disrupt any election we hold; therefore, no election will be held until there are no more lawless thugs, or until the lawless thugs succeed on their non-democratic mission." They should change their name to the "Non-Election Commission." 555

What on earth are you prattling on about?

How about instead of saying no election till the 'thugs' are all moved... why not be a little more intelligent and say... no more elections until the protesters are given what they are protesting for... a free and fair election????

Wouldn't that be a lot better???

They are not thugs... they are people who want to see the election process reformed so that the elections can be really democratic. So what is wrong with that???

Can you please provide an argument against electoral reforms, one that is coherent and logical?... also back up your argument as to why the election process is fine the way it is.

It is people like you who are holding this country back.... You are the sort of people who are actually 'undemocratic'. Because you think that people who are actually promoting true democracy are 'a problem' that needs to be 'removed'.

If the elections can't be held till September, then there is ample time to put electoral reforms in place to rigorously enforce electoral conduct, and make political parties 100% accountable for actions of their supporters.

Anyone who cares to disagree with me,please put forward your argument.

1. How do you make any political party 100% responsible for the actions of their supporters? That would be silly.

2. The opposition has failed time and time again to articulate exactly what reforms they want to enact that will guarantee that elections are really democratic.

3. And why don't they just say what reforms they want to carry out and then let the people decide for themselves through an election?

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[Scamper]

Those who think there will be an election in June can keep right on thinking that. Nobody's going to rob that thought from them. But it's abundantly clear to everyone else that there won't be. The meeting accomplished nothing towards that end, or any other end, for that matter. The EC's view is that an election is essentially impossible until the tensions dissipate - makes sense. Why ? Because an election will only be deemed valid if all constituencies are open, when candidates - regardless as to party or geographic location - are freely able to campaign, when all of it is conducted peacefully, and when all of it is conducted transparently and fairly. The February 2 election was a fiasco. Problem is, nothing since February 2 indicates that the tensions are any less than they were then. In fact, they're greater. Pheu Thai is engaged in wishful thinking if they think that a peaceful election could be pulled off, especially as they are simultaneously pushing a narrative that seeks to instill distrust in the judicial process, thereby actually fanning the flames of unrest. They are entertaining two narratives that are not congruent with each other.

A referendum to propose reform talks is now being seen as an increasingly likely tool for breaking the political log-jam. A referendum is more likely to be embraced by all sides of this debate than any other element. One can expect the argument, therefore, to gain traction in the coming days and weeks.

[srsv1238]

Those who think there will be an election in June can keep right on thinking that. Nobody's going to rob that thought from them. But it's abundantly clear to everyone else that there won't be. The meeting accomplished nothing towards that end, or any other end, for that matter. The EC's view is that an election is essentially impossible until the tensions dissipate - makes sense. Why ? Because an election will only be deemed valid if all constituencies are open, when candidates - regardless as to party or geographic location - are freely able to campaign, when all of it is conducted peacefully, and when all of it is conducted transparently and fairly. The February 2 election was a fiasco. Problem is, nothing since February 2 indicates that the tensions are any less than they were then. In fact, they're greater. Pheu Thai is engaged in wishful thinking if they think that a peaceful election could be pulled off, especially as they are simultaneously pushing a narrative that seeks to instill distrust in the judicial process, thereby actually fanning the flames of unrest. They are entertaining two narratives that are not congruent with each other.

A referendum to propose reform talks is now being seen as an increasingly likely tool for breaking the political log-jam. A referendum is more likely to be embraced by all sides of this debate than any other element. One can expect the argument, therefore, to gain traction in the coming days and weeks.

Pq referendum to propose reform talks? What does that even mean? What would be the outcome of this referendum? And who will be represented at the table if parliament has been dissolved?

And why can't Thailand just carry elections? India is having elections right now. Afghanistan just had theirs. Elections are heavily contested, and often bitterly. But compared to the alternative it is the far better approach.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[winstonc]

Those who think there will be an election in June can keep right on thinking that. Nobody's going to rob that thought from them. But it's abundantly clear to everyone else that there won't be. The meeting accomplished nothing towards that end, or any other end, for that matter. The EC's view is that an election is essentially impossible until the tensions dissipate - makes sense. Why ? Because an election will only be deemed valid if all constituencies are open, when candidates - regardless as to party or geographic location - are freely able to campaign, when all of it is conducted peacefully, and when all of it is conducted transparently and fairly. The February 2 election was a fiasco. Problem is, nothing since February 2 indicates that the tensions are any less than they were then. In fact, they're greater. Pheu Thai is engaged in wishful thinking if they think that a peaceful election could be pulled off, especially as they are simultaneously pushing a narrative that seeks to instill distrust in the judicial process, thereby actually fanning the flames of unrest. They are entertaining two narratives that are not congruent with each other.

A referendum to propose reform talks is now being seen as an increasingly likely tool for breaking the political log-jam. A referendum is more likely to be embraced by all sides of this debate than any other element. One can expect the argument, therefore, to gain traction in the coming days and weeks.

unfortunatly your logical will not be shared by the blinkered few/trolls...who cant see any reason for reform like pi--sing in the wind ...they know your right but just like poo and co cant bear the thought of actually agreeing and yes your right lets sit down and sort this out..losing face even on here is a no no..pathetic..

[toybits]

Actually, this is very good news - for Thailand's neighbors that is. I can see them rubbing their palms together is delight!

[MaxLee]

As long as the EC stubbornly insists that "Election-Vote-buying-Collection is the answer to Thailand's political problems, nothing will ever change, aight???:

[monkeycountry]

"Gangs of lawless thugs might disrupt any election we hold; therefore, no election will be held until there are no more lawless thugs, or until the lawless thugs succeed on their non-democratic mission." They should change their name to the "Non-Election Commission." 555

These "gangs of lawless thugs" are usually armed with lethal weapons to some degree, which means the only way of removing them, without risking ones own safety, is to use lethal force against them. However, when the government uses lethal force to remove the "gangs of lawless thugs", those who give the orders end up with a murder trial.

So which is it? Do you want the government, past and present, to be allowed to use lethal force against the "gangs of lawless thugs" or not?

[ubonjoe]

Posts commenting about spelling and grammar have been removed.

This is against the Forum Rules.

English is not always the first language of our members so don't waste space correcting other members' grammar and spelling where it isn't necessary.Please consult guidelines for posting here: http://www.thaivisa....te-t254949.htm

[JAG]

Those who think there will be an election in June can keep right on thinking that. Nobody's going to rob that thought from them. But it's abundantly clear to everyone else that there won't be. The meeting accomplished nothing towards that end, or any other end, for that matter. The EC's view is that an election is essentially impossible until the tensions dissipate - makes sense. Why ? Because an election will only be deemed valid if all constituencies are open, when candidates - regardless as to party or geographic location - are freely able to campaign, when all of it is conducted peacefully, and when all of it is conducted transparently and fairly. The February 2 election was a fiasco. Problem is, nothing since February 2 indicates that the tensions are any less than they were then. In fact, they're greater. Pheu Thai is engaged in wishful thinking if they think that a peaceful election could be pulled off, especially as they are simultaneously pushing a narrative that seeks to instill distrust in the judicial process, thereby actually fanning the flames of unrest. They are entertaining two narratives that are not congruent with each other.

A referendum to propose reform talks is now being seen as an increasingly likely tool for breaking the political log-jam. A referendum is more likely to be embraced by all sides of this debate than any other element. One can expect the argument, therefore, to gain traction in the coming days and weeks.

Remind us oh wise one, just who was it whose followers turned the election on February 2nd into a fiasco?

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[tezzainoz]

They can hold elections in Afghanistan but can not in Thailand. Amazing. The EC should be trailed for delicious of duty. Need a new stronger EC who will not take sides, an Army who support the people right to vote, a police force to enforce the law, and a court who will not be bias in making decisions. Even if it means physical force or deadly force if necessary to enforce the laws. These are some of the reforms the country needs.

yes add to that a Government that has lost the backing of the people, postponing the end so all the above can start

Please step back and take a look at todays politics

it is one large chain made of many links, all together makes a government

The red shirts threaten the leader of the dems so he can not attend the meeting

suthep denies elections

Yingluck has lost power and goes on her continual refusal to remove her self from the problem

Put them all together we have no government

But Thai FACE pulling the country backwards

even her on TVF, we can not all face the facts

Now Is the Time for a new Thailand

[Valentine]

All awaiting for the big happening. First Suthep wants a group of "good people" for 18 month, EC want to delay elections anyway, courts nulfil elections.

Everyone who reads outside the controlled medias knows about what is all about.

And Thailand needs help from outside. They can not solve this mess alone anymore.

The government invited some experts last year who made some good recommendations which the government completely ignored as it was not to their liking.

[The stuttering parrot]

We'll according to the nation could be September.

Who gave them that date?

The monk while he popped in for a cuppa or sutep?

[ginjag]

We'll according to the nation could be September.

Who gave them that date?

The monk while he popped in for a cuppa or sutep?

Until everyone has been before the BENCH that needs to be, there is no point in an earlier election who ever it may benefit.

The later the better, by then we will have a better idea who is left to vote for. This seems fair enough--enough money has been wasted already with trying to rush through elections for certain peoples benefit.

Good clean start, rid of all the rif raf, reform - Elections, anyone opposing this is trying to cheat. Get the HOOVER OUT Thailand.