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Thailand: 2017 election, maybe no new government
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The moon rises over the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand Monday, Nov. 14, 2016. (AP/Sakchai Lalit)
T
he next general election in Thailand will definitely take place next year, but a new government may not be formed by the end of the year, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said on Wednesday.
He said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had repeatedly maintained over the past year that the next election would be held in 2017 in line with the post-coup road map for a return to democracy.
However, Wissanu said “unforeseeable factors” could make it unlikely for a new administration to be formed in 2017, adding that it would take about two months for the official election results to be announced after the vote.
Under the new electoral system, a single ballot will be used for both constituency and party-list members of parliament (MPs), which would be unprecedented in Thailand.
“Due to the new voting and vote-count systems, the political party with the most votes will not be guaranteed to form the government. The one that fails to get the most votes may succeed,” the deputy premier said.
After the election results are announced, there will be a process concerning the opening of parliament to select a new prime minister, he said.
“Please be fair to the government. The road map will be followed, but there may be some factors that cannot be seen today. There could be some changes or adjustments. However, today we insist there will be election in 2017,” Wissanu said.
He was speaking at the event 'Thailand: New Economic Landscape' on the topic 'Royal Leadership Virtues: Guidance for the People and the State,' which was organized at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
Wissanu also said the country would experience several major changes next year, adding that the promulgation of the new Constitution would happen soon, although he could not say at this point when it would take place.
The 10 organic bills required by the new charter must be completed within eight months after it is promulgated, with the first four being the key organic bills concerning political parties, the election of MPs, selection of senators and the Election Commission.
Once the organic laws are completed, he said the government would be able to announce a general election within five months without further delay.
“That’s why the prime minister has determined the road map. It’s not wishy-washy,” said Wissanu.
