Thai government says no delay of election

Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra (L) speaks during a meeting with the Election Commission to discuss plans for a general election on February 2 at The Army Club in Bangkok January 28, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

BANGKOK - Thailand's government has announced it will go ahead with parliamentary elections this Sunday despite street protests and an opposition boycott.

Deputy Prime Minister Pongthep Thepkanchana made the announcement Tuesday after a meeting between Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and the Election Commission, which had sought a delay in the polls.

Protesters occupying parts of Bangkok are demanding that Yingluck step down before any election, and that she be replaced by a non-elected interim government that would institute reforms to fight corruption. The opposition Democrat Party also is boycotting the election.

Shots were fired at a Thai army facility where the prime minister was meeting and two people were hurt, an anti-government protest leader said.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was meeting the Election Commission at an army complex to try to settle on a date for a general election. The Commission says the government's plan to hold the vote next Sunday is too soon, given the unrest in the country, and wants it delayed by up to four months.