16-8-2023 (BANGKOK) The Constitutional Court delivered a decisive blow to the Move Forward Party on Wednesday, rejecting their plea to re-evaluate a parliamentary verdict that prevented their prime ministerial candidate from re-nomination. This development extinguishes the already dwindling prospects of the progressive Move Forward Party leading the forthcoming government, setting the stage for another parliamentary vote on a prime minister, anticipated to occur as early as this week.
In a unanimous decision, the Constitutional Court announced that it would not entertain the case. The court’s rationale hinged on the fact that the request was lodged by a coalition of over 20 individuals, excluding the prime ministerial candidate himself, Pita Limjaroenrat. The court asserted that these individuals did not have their rights infringed upon and thus lacked the standing to file such a complaint.
Advocates and allies of the Move Forward Party had approached the court to determine the legality of the legislative ruling on July 19, which barred Pita from seeking re-nomination for the prime ministerial position following his unsuccessful initial attempt.
With the court’s dismissal, Parliament is now poised to arrange a new vote on the prime ministerial candidate in the coming days. The spotlight is set on businessman and political newcomer Srettha Thavisin, representing the second-place Pheu Thai Party.
Emerging victorious in the May election with robust backing from the youth and urban demographic, the Move Forward Party presented a progressive policy platform that challenged prevailing business monopolies and the political influence of the military.
Despite their compelling agenda, the party faltered in gaining adequate support to form a viable government. Widespread opposition greeted their proposition, particularly from military-appointed senators, who opposed their plan to amend the lese majeste law, seeking to prevent its misuse for purely political purposes.
