'No problem' with later poll date
The two main political parties, the Democrats and Thai Rak Thai, say they are ready to revise their campaign plans if the election is held after October 15.
"The anticipated delay will not adversely impact on the ruling party because its advance planning has factored in every contingency," caretaker Deputy Interior Minister Somchai Sunthornvut said yesterday.Somchai was reacting to reports that the Senate could not meet this week's deadline for the appointment of the Election Commission (EC) and that the poll date would have to be rescheduled to overcome time constraints for electoral preparations. "Thai Rak Thai candidates always keep in touch with their constituents and the people are familiar with the party's policies," Somchai said. He also dismissed speculation that his party's candidates might switch loyalty because the delayed balloting would overcome the 90-day rule needed to run under other banners."I don't think that former government MPs will jump ship because the ruling party has already endorsed their candidacy," he said. Democrat Party spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon said his party was ready to contest the new election at a date decreed by the EC. "If the new EC deems it necessary to postpone the polls, the Democrats have no objection on the matter," he said. The Nation
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