Thailand’s much-delayed general election will be held on February 24, the electoral officials commission has said, shortly before the military government announced the lifting of a ban on political campaigning, Al-Jazeera reports. The junta’s anointed political parties, namely Palang Pracharat Party, Ruamphalang Prachachartthai Party, and the People’s Reform Party, already enjoy a huge advantage over their rival parties in early campaigning, according to The Asia Sentinel. Junta leader Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s wish to stay on in power after the general election has dampened hopes of a new beginning for Thai democracy. And all signs point to the growing likelihood that he will remain in power, writes Termsak Chalermpalanupap for Channel News Asia.