Democrat leader proposes reconsideration of Feb 2 election

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BANGKOK, Dec 20 – The opposition Democrat Party has warned that the government’s insistence on holding the February 2 general election will definitely lead to chaos.

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva threw his full support behind the suggestion by the Election Commission (EC) to postpone the balloting, saying it was in line with the opinions of various quarters.

He called on politicians to shake off their political inclinations, and that political parties and the EC should find a consensus to ease the political tension without taking the February 2 election as the core of discussion.

“Today’s problem is not whether to field candidates for the election. What will happen if we move on with the balloting on February 2 under lots of conditions? We should jointly solve the problem,” he said.

The former prime minister said all political parties must clearly show their stand while the Democrat Party firmly holds on to the democratic system.

“We have to urgently solve the problems. Leaving them for too long will contribute to more tension,” he said.

Mr Abhisit proposed a public survey to determine if the election should be postponed and whether such a delay will solve  political problems and conflicts.

He brushed aside a statement by former Democrat MP from Surat Thani, Shane Thaugsuban, who said he (Mr Shane) would not run in the upcoming election.

“We understand that every Surat Thani MP is attached to former MP Suthep Thaugsuban. It should be clearer to us on Saturday,” he said.