EC Issues New Local Electoral Procedures

[Jai Dee]

EC issues new local electoral procedures

The Election Commission (EC) has announced the new local electoral procedures, which have approved by the Council for Democratic Reform (CDR). At the same time, EC Chairman Aphichart Sukhakkhanon (อภิชาติ สุขัคคานนท์) said he has the names of ten candidates who are qualified to be the next EC Secretary-General.

According to the CDR’s 7th, 15th, and 22nd announcement, political gatherings, movements of political parties, and local political activities are prohibited at this period. The CDR earlier called a meeting with the EC members to set the electoral frameworks and to prevent the work processes from violating the CDR’s orders. As a result, electoral constraints have been issued. Political parties are disallowed to solicit their votes by displaying the portraits of their MPs or important party members. In addition, policies that do not support the CDR’s policies are also impermissible. The new electoral requirement will be effective following its announcement in the Royal Thai Government Gazette.

The EC meeting today will consider the resignation of EC Secretary-General Ekkachai Warunprapa (เอกชัย วารุณประภา). Prior to the meeting, EC Chairman Aphichart said that he has 10 suitable candidates in his mind, but he has refused to reveal those names, reasoning that he has to discuss this issue with other EC members first.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 September 2006