Provincial election offices will display three proposed models for constituency boundaries for public comment from Oct 4-13, and forward the results to the Election Commission for consideration.
EC chairman Itthiporn Boonprakong said on Friday that the redrawing of constituencies had progressed to the stage provincial election directors could present the three models under consideration to residents in each area to have their say.
After receiving the public input, the EC was expected to announce the new election boundaries by Nov 10.
Political parties have voiced frustration over the EC’s guidelines on “dos and don’ts” since the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) partially lifted its ban on political activities and ordered the EC to redraw electoral boundaries before the organic law on the election of MPs takes effect.
The EC chairman said the commission has followed the NCPO’s orders. Political parties were allowed to use social media to communicate with party members, but not for election canvassing,
He was speaking during a meeting with political party representatives to discuss election guidelines and answer their questions.
Mr Itthiporn said the rules set for a general generation under the new constitution were challenging for all those involved. Political parties should be well prepared and strictly follow the legal procedures.
To date, a total of 119 political groups have applied to the EC for registration as political parties, and 74 have been legally registered. The registration of two more parties was being considered by the EC on Friday.
To contest the polls, a registered political party must have capital of one million baht and must inform the EC of its intention within 90 days from Sept 14. Political parties must have at least 500 members and pay membership fees within 180 days, also starting Sept 14. The process, if not finished within the timeframe, could be extended for another 180 days, the EC chairman said.
Political parties must hold assemblies to select party leaders and executives by Dec 1. The process, if not completed within the period, could be extended by another 90 days. To field candidates, each party must set up an 11-member selection panel.
The EC has made preparations for the next polls to ensure a fair and transparent general election, Mr Itthiporn said.
About 750 executives and members of political parties and political groups attended the meeting. A total of 84 political groups and 59 political parties replied to the EC’s invitation to attend the meeting.
Participants included Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, Pheu Thai Party caretaker secretary-general Phumtham Wechayachai and Prachachart Party leader Wan Muhamad Nor Matha.
