Elections in Thailand possibly delayed until 2008
Ah, so the election in Thailand probably won’t take place this year after all, as was promised by the military installed junta. But it’s not all doom and gloom, as this may actually be for the best.
I don’t see a problem with a slight delay if it means Thailand will have clean and fair election.
The delay in drafting the new Thai constitution and preparing for the forthcoming elections is yet to cause a stir in Bangkok. Prime Minister Surayud’s ambitious claim that elections might be brought forward won him short-term support, but was ultimately an empty promise.
It was just this past Thursday that Surayud was certain of his words.
“The sooner, the better,” he said. “If all the related parties are ready, then there is no need to wait.” There is no reason to delay the polls until 2008, he added.
Couldn’t someone from the drafting committee have informed Thailand's PM before he said this? Such discrepancies fail to instill confidence that there is much communication going on between the government and the drafting committee.
The committee drafting the constitution apparently needs more time to ensure that future prime ministers will not be as omnipotent as Thaksin was. The drafting of Thailand's new constitution has been pushed back 60 days.
Is this a step toward free and open elections? I hope so.
Techno' tags: Thai politics
It's now expected to be held sometime in Jan 08.