New Thai elections after court annuls poll

Last month’s inconclusive general election in Thailand has been deemed invalid by the country’s Constitutional Court. It has ruled that a fresh poll should be held. The move follows a rare intervention by the Thai king who described the ongoing political impasse as a “mess.” It was brought about by an opposition boycott of the ballot that left empty seats in parliament and Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra unable to form a government. He called the election three years early to counter a Bangkok-based street campaign, accusing him of corruption – allegations he denies. Although he won the ballot, the premier announced he was stepping aside, following a strong protest vote.

In the past week however he has been back in the public eye, heightening speculation that a comeback could be imminent. Analysts believe a new election could resolve the political crisis in the South East Asian nation. The court had been asked to rule on four issues – the scheduling of the poll, whether ballot boxes were positioned correctly, allegations of the government bankrolling smaller parties and the lack of a formal review of election results.

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