Thai government reaffirms election date Dec 23

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BANGKOK, OCT 4 (AP): The Thai government reaffirmed Thursday that the country will hold a general election on Dec. 23.
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and the Election Commission chief, Apichart Sukhakanon, held a news conference to dispel rumors that the election might be delayed as long as a year.
"The Election Commission has concluded that the election will be held on Dec. 23, that is certain," Apichart said.
"The government will support a free and fair election on the date set by the EC. My government is giving priority to preventing vote-buying," Surayud said.
Vote-buying has become rampant in Thai elections over the past four years.