Election Can’t Be Postponed, Says Pheu Thai Leader

BANGKOK, December 30 (TNA) - Charupong Ruangsuwan, leader of Pheu Thai Party which is the core of the current caretaker government, insisted Monday the Election Commission (EC) cannot postpone the scheduled February 2 general election because it will be against the Constitution. Mr. Charupong, also caretaker interior minister, said anti-government protesters who are obstructing the upcoming polls from being held and a postponement of the election by the EC would violate the Constitution. EC officials have to ask for assistance from provincial or concerned authorities to maintain peace or change the candidacy registration venue, he said. Eligible voters can file lawsuit against the EC if its officials are found to have neglected their duty in organising the election. Charupong’s remarks were made after anti-government protesters demanding for national political reform before the election have obstructed EC officials from performing duty and candidates from registering themselves in several southern provinces. Meanwhile, Somchai Srisuthiyakorn, election commissioner for election administration, said he had discussed with three representatives of the caretaker government about a possible postponement of the upcoming general election. However, Mr. Charupong said he was not informed of the meetings and believed Mr. Somchai lied. In the southern resort province of Krabi, the chief of EC official has tendered his resignation after protesters blocked entrances of the provincial EC office for the third consecutive day, forcing candidates in the three constituents to be unable to register. (TNA)