The Election Commission (EC) has stressed the general election, tentatively scheduled for Feb 24, will not be deferred, as concerns about a possible delay flared after a royal decree calling for the poll did not come out yesterday as previously reported.
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam last month indicated the decree would be published in the Royal Gazette yesterday, but this did not happen.
The Election Commission has released images of ballot papers to be used in the general election, tentatively scheduled for Feb 24. The ballot contains candidate numbers, party logos and names. It has a box at the bottom right people can tick if they don't wish to vote. The papers will be printed after applications for poll candidates are processed. Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
"Everything is still in line with the roadmap," said EC secretary-general Jarungvith Phumma.
"Just because the royal decree did not come out yesterday, this does not mean the poll would be postponed."
He also denied reports that EC staff had phoned parties to inform them about a poll delay, saying: "This is baseless. No one has been told the polls were postponed."
According to Pol Col Jarungvith, the EC has prepared terms of reference for the ballots, which will be printed by publishing companies soon.
The ballot's design is in line with the MP election regulation published in the Royal Gazette on Dec 26, he said.
The ballots will have candidate numbers, party logos and names as well as boxes for markings. They will also have a box at the bottom right for abstentions.
The ballots will be printed after the EC finishes receiving applications from poll candidates, Pol Col Jarungvith said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, when asked if the election would still be held on Feb 24, said: "I do not want to talk about it. Things have not changed. The poll date would be set by the EC."
According to him, the first priority is to organise His Majesty the King's coronation. The Royal Household Bureau has announced the event will take place on May 4-6.
The premier emphasised that the EC has the final say on the election and that he cannot interfere with the poll body.
He said he would still stick to the roadmap, in which the poll must be held within 150 days after the law on the election of MPs took effect on Dec 11.
The earliest date on which the poll can be organised is Feb 24, the prime minister said.
"This shows the government has no intention of dragging its feet. We chose the earliest possible week for the election," Gen Prayut said. "At the end of the day, whether or not it can be held on that day depends on the EC," the prime minister said.
When asked whether the poll will be held before or after the coronation, Gen Prayut said the election is likely to take place before, but the new government may not have assumed office before the coronation.
"This rests with the EC, which has to take into account these situations as well," Gen Prayut said.
Asked whether he has decided to put his name forward as a PM candidate for a political party, the prime minister said he needs to study policies touted by the parties first and analyse whether they are feasible.
"Please be patient," Gen Prayut said.
Meanwhile, former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn said the issuance of the royal decree on the election is the duty of the government.
According to him, if the government fails to issue the decree by this week, various processes related to the poll would have to be deferred and that the poll may not be held on Feb 24 as promised.
"If the royal decree is issued late, it is not the EC's fault if the poll is deferred," Mr Somchai said.
"Except if the two sides have made a deal, which would mean that the EC lacks independence."
Referring to poll delay rumours, Democrat spokesman Thana Chiravinij said this reflects unclear signals from the EC.
"The EC has to recognise its duty to hold elections in a free and fair manner without interference," Mr Thana said.
"If the poll is pushed back, the main beneficiary would be Palang Pracharath Party."
