Thai coup chief says to help make Dec poll possible
BANGKOK, July 3 (Reuters) Thai coup leader Sonthi Boonyaratglin said today he wanted to hold a general election by the end of the year as promised, despite expressing fears it might have to be delayed.
''I can assure you I will try to make it happen this year,'' Sonthi replied when asked if he agreed with Surayud Chulanont, the prime minister he appointed, who said he wanted to keep his promise to hold the election by the end of 2007.
Sonthi met Surayud at a cabinet meeting today, but they did not discuss dates for the elections, cabinet ministers said.
Sonthi said over the weekend that the election might have to be pushed back to early 2008 as legal experts feared a new constitution and other laws would not be completed in time.
Sonthi said today his comment had been based on fears that the draft constitution, due to be completed on Friday, would be rejected in a referendum set tentatively for Aug. 19.
He said he would work with the government and political parties to encourage people to vote in the referendum.
The cabinet approved the spending of 576 million baht (18 million dollars) on a campaign to promote the referendum.
REUTERS GT HT1435


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