The Thai Constitutional Court on March 21 declared that the general election held in Thailand last month was invalid as it failed to be held over the course of a single day as stipulated in the constitution.
Analysts fear that the ruling will deepen the country’s ongoing political stalemate following weeks of demonstrations by anti-government protesters.
The court also asked the Election Commission to discuss with the caretaker government, led by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, about holding a new election.
The February 2 polls, called by Yingluck in an unsuccessful attempt to ease the political crisis, have not yet been completed because of disruption by protesters. They blocked candidates from registering in 28 constituencies and also caused the closure of about 10 percent of polling stations.
A spokesperson for Yingluck’s ruling Puea Thai Party described the ruling as "regrettable", and said the annulment of the vote would "set a bad precedent".
Earlier on March 20, the opposition Democratic Party said that regardless of the ruling by the court, this party may not participate in a new election.
According to statistics from the EC, about 20.1 million voters (46.79 percent) in 68 localities cast their ballots on February 2.-VNA
Analysts fear that the ruling will deepen the country’s ongoing political stalemate following weeks of demonstrations by anti-government protesters.
The court also asked the Election Commission to discuss with the caretaker government, led by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, about holding a new election.
The February 2 polls, called by Yingluck in an unsuccessful attempt to ease the political crisis, have not yet been completed because of disruption by protesters. They blocked candidates from registering in 28 constituencies and also caused the closure of about 10 percent of polling stations.
A spokesperson for Yingluck’s ruling Puea Thai Party described the ruling as "regrettable", and said the annulment of the vote would "set a bad precedent".
Earlier on March 20, the opposition Democratic Party said that regardless of the ruling by the court, this party may not participate in a new election.
According to statistics from the EC, about 20.1 million voters (46.79 percent) in 68 localities cast their ballots on February 2.-VNA
