Dem:Feb 2 poll is unconstitutional

BANGKOK, February 1 (TNA) - Thailand’s Democrat Party says Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra must be held responsible if Sunday’s general elections became null and void and if any violence broke out during the poll. Democrat Party Spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut told a press conference on Saturday that the February 2 general election is unconstitutional, claiming that there are several factors which can invalidate the national poll. Chavanond pointed out that Thailand's 2007 Charter states that a general election must be held nationwide on the same day, but elections for constituency MPs in 28 constituencies of southern Thai provinces, which still has no candidates, can not be held on Sunday, meaning that the vote does not take place in the same day. Chavanond said the Constitution also states that vote counting must take place immediately after the poll closing time at 3pm. He said if the vote count took place after Sunday's election, it would make results of a new round of advance voting in 83 constituencies -- which could not be held on January 26 due to disruption by anti-government protesters --, set on February 26 invalid. If the vote count took place on February 26, all vote results would be null and void. Chavanond urged the caretaker prime minister to explain to the public before the election what her caretaker government would do if the poll became invalid. The spokesman also called for the caretaker prime minister to make a pledge that her caretaker administration will do its best to protect all people during Sunday's election, including those who oppose the poll. Meanwhile, Democrat Party Deputy Leader Ong-art Klampaiboon urged state authorities not to use special powers authorized by the emergency decree against people on Sunday and called for the authorities to honestly commit to their duties and exercise restraint in dealing violence which might break out during the poll. Ong-art made the call after the Civil Court refused on Friday to issue an injunction to prohibit state authorities from using the emergency decree against protesters, as requested by the anti-government People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC). (TNA)