The easing of restrictions on political activities will lead to peace and a general election, army chief Chalermchai Sitthisad said on Wednesday, as he revealed sketchy details of the process.
Gen Chalermchai, who is also secretary-general of the National Council for Peace and Order, confirmed that the lifting of Order No 57/2014, Order No 3/2015 and Order No 53/2017 was raised for discussion at the NCPO’s meeting on Tuesday.
Order No 57/2014 prohibits political parties from engaging in activities, Order No 3/2015 bans political gatherings of more than five people, and Order No 53/2017 issued last December required members of political parties to reconfirm their membership and pay related fees between April 1-30, or lose their membership status.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, head of the NCPO, would invoke Section 44 to ease the restrictions. Three main components were - the extension of time for administrative activities to be completed, easing rules on what types of activities could be held, and holding primary votes, Gen Chalermchai said.
Full details would be announced after the NCPO chief’s order.
There were about 6 activities that needed to be completed under the framework, during which political parties would be allowed to recruit members, hold meetings, elect party leaders and amend regulations, he said. Those involved in each activity would have 90 days to do it.
Election campaigning would be allowed only after the Election Act takes effect.
Gen Chalermchai said the NCPO would be responsible for security. There should be no obstacles, as all sides were gearing up for the elections, he added.
Authorities were concerned that false allegations might be used to politically slander political rivals. However, the overall situation was not worrying.
The army chief expressed confidence that the country would be at peace in the lead up to a general election.
