Thai Constitutional Court rules that Feb. 2 election opposed by protesters can be delayed

BANGKOK – Thailand's Constitutional Court has ruled that a Feb. 2 election opposed by anti-government protesters can legally be delayed.

There was no immediate word on whether the vote will be postponed.

The head of the Election Commission has argued the balloting should be delayed because of unrest that has shaken the country since protesters took to the streets late last year.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has argued that the date, fixed by a royal decree, is unchangeable and the government has no legal authority to postpone it.

The court said in its ruling Friday that the power to delay the poll rests with Yingluck and the head of the Election Commission.