Updated

Thailand's opposition leader and former prime minister has urged the government to delay the July elections and let an interim administration carry out reforms as part of a plan to break the country's political stalemate.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva on Saturday suggested that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra step down along with her Cabinet. He also wants a referendum to be held about political reforms.

He says the new election should be called within six months but that the elected government should stay in power for only one year to implement the reforms.

Abhisit says his proposal would prevent further casualties from the conflict as well as a coup.

More than 20 people have been killed in violence since anti-government protesters took to the streets in November.