EC reviewing petitions to disband PT, Democrats
The Election Commission has completed one check and is investigating three other complaints, which could lead to the disbandment of the Pheu Thai Party.
The EC-appointed panel is writing a report on the first case and will soon forward it for a final review by EC chairman Apichart Sukhagganond in his concurrent capacity as the political party registrar.
The case deals with an allegation that the ruling party has allowed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to exert influence over it despite his five-year ban from the political process.
The party's campaign slogan in the July general election, “Thaksin thinks, Pheu Thai acts”, has been cited as evidence of Thaksin’s pulling strings in the party.
Some 29 complaints have been lodged with the EC since 2008, seeking to disband political parties. The EC ruled to dismiss 15 complaints while the other 14 remain under investigation.
Apichart has ordered that the 14 complaints be merged into seven active cases. Pheu Thai Party is the target in four of these.
Among three ongoing cases involving Pheu Thai, one is about the alleged wrongful endorsement of two election candidates: Nattawut Saikua and Kokaew Pikulthong. The other is about the alleged wrongful endorsement of election candidate Jatuporn Promphan despite his detention in the remand prison.
This case stems from the general election and is not related to the last week's verdict to strip Jatuporn of his MP status.
The third and final case is about Pheu Thai's involvement in charter change. People’s Alliance for Democracy leader Chamlong Srimuang contends the push is unlawful because it is tantamount to discarding the Constitution.
The Democrat Party faces three complaints on disbandment. The first case is related to a campaigning offence, by promising favours to sway votes.
The second case is about the Pheu Thai’s allegation that the Democrats have incited the people to oppose charter change. The third case is about a Bt1-million flood donation to the Democrats exceeding the campaign limit.
