Thailand’s Election Commission Wants Elections Delayed

World Today

Thailand’s Election Commission says it is highly unlikely the country will be able to hold July elections because of the political unrest. Talks between the government and the election commission were postponed after protesters stormed the compound.

After a meeting between the Election Commission and leaders of the protest movement, Election Commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn cast doubt on the likelihood of an election taking place on July 20.

“As we cannot finish our discussions (with the government) we don’t have time to propose a royal decree,” he said. “So it’s certainly likely that the election won’t be held on July 20.”

According to a strict timetable, a decree must be issued by May 22 for the election to take place on July 20.

Thailand’s long-running political crisis deepened last week when the Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra for nepotism along with nine Cabinet members in a case that many viewed as politically motivated.

Protesters say Yingluck’s removal is not enough, though. She was simply replaced by Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan, who was a deputy premier from the ruling party. CCTV’s Tony Cheng reports with more.

Thailand\'s Election Commission Wants Elections Delayed

Thailand's Election Commission says it is highly unlikely the country will be able to hold July elections because of the political unrest. Talks between the government and the election commission were postponed after protesters stormed the compound. CCTV's Tony Cheng reports from Bangkok.