Thai soldiers in Bangkok. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Thailand lifted a ban onpolitical activities on December 11, clearing the way for a general election tobe held on February 24, 2019.
The people and political parties will be able to campaignfreely during this period until the election in accordance with theconstitution, the Thai government said in a statement published on the RoyalGazette.
The government started to impose the political ban when it tookpower in 2014, citing the need for law and order after months of streetprotests against the government of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.Since then, the National Council for Peace and Order of Thailand (NCPO) announced various dates forthe general election but it has been postponed several times.
It began easing the ban in September, when it allowed political parties toresume organising some activities such as meetings to elect leaders andcandidates, and recruitment of new members. However, election campaigning,including public gatherings of more than five people, is still forbidden.
Under a political timeline presented by DeputyPM Wissanu Krea-ngam on November 9, the selection of senators will take placefrom December 16 to 27, and the general election will be held on February 24,2019 at 350 constituencies. The results will be released within 60 days afterthe polling day.
On April 27, 2019, the NCPO will submit a list of 250 senators for aroyal approval.
The new parliament will take office inMay and fix the dates for the elections of the new speaker for the lower house,the president of the national assembly, and the prime minister. –VNA
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