The government could delay the scheduled 2017 election if it felt that it would be detrimental to the country if it was held.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the plan to hold the next general election in 2017 remained intact, but he did not rule out factors that could lead to a delay.
He added that he situation changes by day and by month but reiterated that they would hold an election if they could.
Everything is going to plan at the moment, including the drafting of the new laws regarding elections. The exact date of the election will be set by the Election Commission.
The law on political parties would result in substantial changes in the operation of parties, which would have to adapt accordingly. The election could not take place until parties had accepted and adopted the new rules.
Political parties will have 150 days to reorganise their membership systems but if they fail to do so, the deadline could be extended by up to three years. However, parties would not be able to put up candidates for the next election until the membership system changes are completed.
The law will lay out everything political parties must do and when to do it in order to adapt to the changes. However, the opinions of politicians will be heard to see whether the time given is sufficient or not, as well as how to adjust it.
(Source The Nation, Thailand)