Thailand's Election Commission (EC) will decide whether to delay the April 2 snap election due to fears that pressing on with the present schedule may result in the failure for the 500-MP House of Representatives to meet.

EC chairman Wassana Permlarp said he was considering postponing the election and the decision was expected to be made within five days, reported Bangkok Post newspaper.

Wassana wanted to await a ruling by the Supreme Court on whether it would disqualify 84 more candidates, who had earlier been endorsed by regional EC offices but were later found to lack certain qualifications.

According to the EC, of the 941 candidates registered earlier this month, 320 have failed to qualify, mostly because they held dual party membership or failed to meet the 90-day rule.

A total of 271 out of the 400 constituencies in 71 provinces have just one candidate contesting. In this circumstance, the candidates, most from Thai Rak Thai party, must garner at least 20 percent of all eligible votes in their constituencies to claim victory. If failed, there will not be the full quorum of 500 MPs to open parliament.

Earlier in the day, election commissioner Prinya Nakchudtree said it was likely the agency would go ahead with the April 2 general election. "As of now, we will have to go ahead as planned," Prinya said.

Amid mounting political pressure sparked by Thaksin family's selling controlling stake in Shin Corp to a Singapore investment company, the prime minister on Feb. 24 announced that the new parliamentary elections would be held on April 2 following an abrupt decision to dissolve the House.

(Xinhua News Agency March 16, 2006)