Election Commission in Thailand Urges Delaying Vote After Police Crack Down on Protesters

Scheduled for February 2

Thailand's Election Commission on Thursday urged the government to delay polls scheduled for Feb. 2 after hours of violent clashes between police and anti-government protesters, adding to political uncertainty splitting the country.

The government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has been insisting the polls should go ahead, believing they will return her to power with a renewed mandate. The protest movement seeking to oust her is demanding that the vote be delayed until she leaves office and reforms are implemented. They have vowed to disrupt the elections if they go ahead.