Almost half the population oppose a possible delay of the much-awaited general election, saying that they want an election to be held as soon as possible, after the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) last week voted to suspend enforcement of the organic law on MPs election for 90 days, an opinion survey showed.
The Suan Dusit Poll was conducted by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University on Jan 24-27 on 1,341 people throughout the country to compile their opinions after the NLA on Jan 25 passed the bill on the election of MPs that could delay the long-promised general election by another 90 days.
Asked how they would react if the election is delayed further, 47.05% of respondents said they would disagree because another poll delay would affect the country's economy and image; 32.44% were indifferent, reasoning that the election - be it sooner or later - would still mean politics as usual, with parties and politicians pursuing power and their own interests; and 20.51% said they would agree with the delay, believing the situation is still uncertain and problems and conflicts have yet to be resolved.
Asked whether they would be disappointed if the election is delayed, 39.97% said they are not interested in this matter as long as the government can keep the situation under control and the country is at peace; 37.14% said they would be disappointed because they want to see an elected prime minister, and, 22.89% said they would not be disappointed because an election may not help solve the country's problems.
To the question of the effect an election delay would have on the political situation, 36.87% said division and conflicts would continue; 35.19% said some groups of people may come out to criticise and apply pressure on the government, and the rest said the government would simply remain in power thanks to Section 44 of the 2014 interim charter which is still in force.
