Thai govt rejects delaying polls after fresh bout of violence

Updated on : 26-12-2013 09:02 PM

Thailand's embattled government on Thursday rejected the Election Commission's plea to postpone the February 2 snap polls after fresh street violence here left a policeman dead and nearly 100 others injured.

Police Sergeant Major Narong Pitisit, 45, died of injuries sustained in the clash with opposition protesters at the Thai-Japanese Stadium, where candidates were filing their nominations for the elections.  Medical officials said he was shot in the chest and suffered severe blood loss. Nearly 100 people, including policemen, were injured during clashes.  In a statement, the EC said its recommendation to delay the polls was due to the violence that started after police fired teargas and rubber bullets at stone-throwing mobs trying to enter the stadium. "A failure to handle the situation could possibly lead to more violence and if the election is held as scheduled that violence could escalate and result in chaos and casualties," the statement said adding, "The EC has earlier signalled its concerns of more violence in the country."  But, Premier Yingluck Shinawatra's government rejected the EC's call for delay in the polls.  "The Election Commission said holding elections will bring violence but the government believes delaying an election will cause more violence," Deputy Prime Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana said.  The opposition Democrat Party has already announced its plans to boycott the polls.  The protesters led by Democrat Party leader Suthep Thaugsuban want Yingluck to quit and have demanded the polls be delayed.  They want the government to stand down and be replaced by an un-elected "people's council".  The protesters have been demanding Yingluck's resignation since mid-October.  The protests began after the government tried to introduce an amnesty bill that would have paved the way for the return of her brother, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra currently in self-exile in Dubai.  Yingluck called the snap election, scheduled for 2 February, after weeks of protests. The demonstrators dismissed the election, and the official opposition has refused to field candidates.  Protesters have further rejected another offer by Yingluck to form a national reform council intended to run alongside her government.  Yingluck's Pheu Thai Party won the last election in 2011 and has a big majority in parliament.  However, protesters say her brother Thaksin, who was overthrown in a military coup in 2006, controls the government.