Thai military government readies for another election delay

Thailand’s long-delayed election appears in danger of further postponement after the military junta’s appointed legislature voted to delay the implementation of a piece of legislation needed for the poll. (Pixabay photo)

BANGKOK — Thailand’s long-delayed election appears in danger of further postponement after the military junta’s appointed legislature voted to delay the implementation of a piece of legislation needed for the poll.

The National Legislative Assembly voted late Thursday to extend the start date for a new election law. The junta’s top legal adviser said the extension could delay the election until as late as February 2019.

Thailand’s junta toppled the elected government in 2014 and has repeatedly promised elections, first in 2015, only to never hold them as its appointees rewrite the nation’s laws. The junta leader most recently said a poll would be held in November.

Members of the ousted government on Friday accused the junta of manoeuvring to ensure that it stays in power after any vote.