Thailand's top judges, given the arduous job of ending a complex political and constitutional crisis after an abortive April general election, demanded on Tuesday the Election Commission resign.
"The four commissioners have already committed gross damage to the country, so if we let them hold another poll, we won't be able to have a honest and fair election," Supreme Court spokesman Jaran Pakdeethanakul told reporters.
"The meeting of the three courts reached a consensus that the courts would participate in holding new elections only if there is a newly appointed Election Commission, to be selected from non-politically affiliated persons not objected to by any party."
One member of the commission, which is accused of bias towards Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais) party, has handed in his resignation after the courts earlier said they would supervise an election re-run.
But, in keeping with the confusion that has gripped political life since an opposition boycott of the April 2 poll left seats empty and parliament unable to convene, even his colleagues could not confirm he meant it.
"I don't know what to do now. We just can't reach him," said Commission chairman Wassana Permlarp.
There was no immediate reaction from the Commission to the resignation call by the third meeting of the heads of the Supreme, Administrative and Constitutional Courts since they were told by revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej to sort out the mess.
But Wassana has rebuffed earlier calls to resign, saying repeatedly he had done nothing wrong and would not quit.
Since the Constitutional Court ruled the election unlawful a week ago - a decision confirmed by the Administrative Court on Tuesday - little has been resolved.
There were expectations that the billionaire Thaksin would clarify his intentions at a meeting of his party, with nervous financial markets hoping Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak would emerge as its candidate.
But Thaksin didn't. "The leader told us what is certain and precise is Thai Rak Thai will remain a party with a long political commitment and concrete plans," spokesman Pimuk Simaroj told reporters.
"We took that as an answer that he will continue to lead the party."
Thaksin, who called the snap election to counter a street campaign against him by foes accusing him of corruption and abuse of power, said after the voting he would not be a candidate for the prime minister's job when parliament met.
However, the opposition boycott and the empty seats it left meant parliament could not meet to elect a new prime minister to form a government.
Thaksin handed over day-to-day power to a deputy and frequently told the pack of journalists following him he was just another unemployed man.
However, his party spread the word later that the ruling the election was unlawful might well release him from his promise not to seek to become prime minister again, threatening a resumption of the suspended street campaign.
Thaksin is likely to remain prime minister until the next election.
"I am still the prime minister, aren't I," Thaksin replied when asked what he would do until the new election, which the Election Commission said on Monday might have to wait until October.
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