A dozen small political parties on Thursday petitioned the Election Commission to delay the planned general election until May 5, saying they need the extra time to prepare.
Sathu Anumothami, the secretary-general of the alliance of small parties, formally forwarded the call for the deferment of the balloting tentatively set for Feb 24 to May 5, the last day an election can be held as stipulated by the constitution.
He said the 13 small parties in the alliance were disadvantaged as they were all new to the voters. They needed the extra time to study the new rules and explain their platforms to the public.
Mr Sathu, acting leader of the Palang Thai Dee Party, said the request for a delay was made in their own interests. The parties in the group had no connections with the government or National Council for Peace and Order.
Chusak Sirinil, a legal spokesman for the Pheu Thai Party, opposed the request, saying it would damage public confidence. Voters were keen to go to the ballot boxes.
Key cabinet ministers and NCPO members, including deputy prime ministers Wissanu Krea-ngam and Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, have repeatedly said they have no plans to further delay the general election.
