Bangkok, Dec 21 (IANS) Thailand's major opposition Democrat Party Saturday decided to boycott the upcoming general election slated for Feb 2.
Abhisit Vejjajiva, Democrat Party leader said the party will not field any candidates in the election. He insisted the elections be postponed until political reforms are carried out, Xinhua reported.
The election commission Friday reaffirmed the election would not be delayed and candidate registration would start Monday as planned.
The registration venue will be well protected by the police, election commission member Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said after a meeting with Thai caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
The election commission had earlier proposed that the caretaker government and protesters reconsider the election date to prevent possible escalation of unrest and disputes over election results.
Thai caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Towichakchaikul Saturday called on people, including protesters, to exercise their franchise in the election.
Yingluck Shinawatra has already submitted her application to the Pheu Thai Party to seek nomination as a party candidate, according to party spokesman Prompong Nopparit.
Shinawatra had dissolved parliament and called an election after sustained protests here.
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