Thailand’s general election set for March 24, since the 2014 coup, after several postponements – the country’s Election Commission said on Wednesday.
Ittiporn Boonpracong, chairman of the commission, told a press conference that,
“We have considered all the relevant factors and we decided with majority votes that March 24 is the most suitable date that would benefit most people,” .
Ittiporn’s remarks came hours after a royal decree was published on the Royal Gazette website that Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn had approved the 2019 election, but it left the date to be determined by the commission.
The March election will be Thailand’s first such election in eight years. Since coming into power, the ruling military government has postponed the election date at least five times, citing the need to fulfil its reforms and oversee a smooth royal succession.
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According to the junta, the latest delay from February 24 – which sparked a series of minor protests and the #DelayMyAss hashtag on social media since the beginning of the year – is necessary as the date was thought to interfere with the preparations for the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn scheduled for May 4.
Vajiralongkorn, 66, ascended the throne in December 2016, two months after his late father, king Bhumibol Adulyadej, died following a seven-decade reign. The new king did not name a date for his coronation until the new year.
Political activists welcomed the formal election announcement, saying there is no more need to stage protests.
“I’m glad there’s no more delay. But it would have been better to hold the election sooner,” protest leader Nuttha Mahattana told dpa.
“Although we won’t plan for any more protests, we will continue to monitor the election if it will be free and fair,” she added.
