Prawit shrugs off early poll demand

Prawit shrugs off early poll demand

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon on Wednesday urged pro-election campaigners to drop a planned march to Government House on May 22. (Photo by Wassana Nanuam)
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon on Wednesday urged pro-election campaigners to drop a planned march to Government House on May 22. (Photo by Wassana Nanuam)

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon on Wednesday dismissed pressure from democracy activists calling for an early date for a general election.

Gen Prawit said the timeline for a new poll has already been slated for February next year and claimed the majority still supports the government's roadmap.

"I do not understand why pro-election campaigners have to put pressure for an election to be held in November this year," he said.

Activists backing an early poll plan a march to Government House to voice their demand on May 22, the fourth anniversary of the coup led by then-army chief Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, who later became the prime minister.

Gen Prayut had earlier promised the poll would be held in November this year, before the delay of organic laws related to the elections were cited as forcing a postponement to 2019.

Gen Prawit urged them to scrap the planned march, and said authorities are checking whether their move is connected with any political party.

The National Security Council on Tuesday urged the marchers to remain peaceful.


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