17-6-2023 (BANGKOK) The Election Commission (EC) has imposed a 20-day deadline for its investigation into the alleged violation of the organic law on the election of Members of Parliament (MPs) by Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat, announced EC chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong on Friday.
Chairman Boonpracong stated that if necessary, the deadline could be extended for up to 15 days at a time, provided a formal request is submitted. This flexibility allows the EC’s fact-finding committee to complete its task even if it requires additional time.
The inquiry, which focuses on Mr Pita’s purported violation of Section 151 of the organic law, is conducted similarly to a criminal investigation in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code, clarified the chairman. He emphasized the importance of ensuring a fair and thorough investigation, stating that rushing the process could compromise the pursuit of justice. When questioned about whether the inquiry would be concluded in time for the selection of Thailand’s next prime minister, he acknowledged the sensitive nature of the investigation but did not provide a definitive answer.
On June 9, the EC dismissed all petitions requesting an investigation into whether Mr Pita’s ownership of shares in iTV Plc rendered him ineligible to run for election. However, the EC resolved to initiate an inquiry to determine if the MFP’s sole prime ministerial candidate had violated Section 151 of the organic law by applying for candidacy despite knowing his ineligibility.
Regarding recent calls from some senators for the EC to seek a ruling from the Constitutional Court regarding Mr Pita’s iTV shareholding, Chairman Boonpracong stated that such a petition would only be filed if the fact-finding committee establishes substantial grounds supporting Mr Pita’s ineligibility and if the EC’s main committee is convinced by the findings.
Chairman Boonpracong also addressed the EC’s endorsement of the May 14 election results, stating that further discussions on the election outcomes in both the constituency and party-list systems would take place next week. He assured that the election results would be officially endorsed within the 60-day timeframe.
While not confirming or dismissing media reports, Chairman Boonpracong acknowledged complaints filed against at least 71 MPs-elect, raising the possibility of their suspension pending investigation.
In a separate development, Thosapone Dansuputra, the director-general of the Department of Business Development (DBD), provided clarifications regarding iTV’s annual financial report, its current business status, and the latest shareholders’ meeting report. He likened the company’s “in operation” status to that of a person, signifying their existence rather than their level of activity. Additionally, he explained that the shareholders’ meeting report is required to verify the proper approval of the submitted financial report by the company’s shareholders.
Meanwhile, Mr Pita, who is accused of holding shares in iTV, has alleged that there are deliberate efforts to “revive” iTV in an attempt to obstruct his candidacy for prime minister.
