Thailand’s electoral landscape has been embroiled in yet another hurdle as the country’s election body seeks a court ruling on whether newly elected lawmaker Pita Limjaroenrat should be disqualified for breaching election regulations. The progressive politician’s bid to become Thailand’s next prime minister now hangs in the balance.
According to the Election Commission, Pita Limjaroenrat’s membership in the House of Representatives potentially holds grounds for termination under the Thai constitution. The matter has consequently been brought before the Constitutional Court for a ruling.
The Election Commission has requested the court to determine whether Pita violated the constitution by holding shares in a media company when he applied for office as a member of the House. This development took a toll on the baht, resulting in a 1.1% decline to 35.15 per dollar.
While the Constitutional Court judges’ weekly meeting scheduled for Wednesday may shed light on the matter, it is unclear if immediate action will be taken regarding the election body’s request. If the suspension of Pita’s status as a member of parliament occurs pending a final verdict on his disqualification, it will likely dampen his chances of contesting the prime ministerial election in parliament on Thursday.
Pita, the sole candidate for the top job after his party secured the most seats in the May 14 general election, may face setbacks in forming a government if the poll panel’s actions delay the process. This could potentially impact investor confidence and disrupt new foreign investments, warns the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
Despite the election body’s decision, Move Forward Party leader Chaithawat Tulathon stated that Thursday’s election for the premiership in parliament should proceed as planned. Chaithawat affirmed that Pita’s nomination will not be affected while condemning the election commission’s move. He emphasized that Pita should have been given an opportunity to defend himself before the case was submitted, accusing the poll body of negligence.
Associate Professor Punchada Sirivunnabood from Mahidol University suggests that the legal challenge hovering over Pita raises the likelihood of a postponement of Thursday’s vote. The case’s impact will be substantial and indicative of its intended outcome. It could also be utilized as an excuse by senators aligned with the pro-royalist, military-backed establishment to advocate for voting delays until the situation is clarified.
Last month, the Election Commission initiated an investigation following allegations by a political activist that Pita had violated election regulations by holding 42,000 shares in the now-defunct broadcaster ITV Pcl. The Thai constitution prohibits lawmakers from owning shares in media companies. Pita maintains that he did not own the shares but managed them as part of his father’s estate, which has since been transferred to a family member.
Observers noted that the latest news diminishes Pita’s chances of winning the prime minister vote in parliament and casts a cloud over his candidacy. Consequently, the anticipation of prolonged post-election political uncertainty persists in the market.
Leading a coalition of eight parties, Pita currently enjoys a clear majority in the 500-member House of Representatives. However, his struggle lies in garnering sufficient support from the 250 senators appointed by the pro-royalist, military-backed establishment. These senators will join the lower chamber during the voting process.
The prolonged formation of a government may provoke further concerns among investors. Thailand’s benchmark stock index remains the poorest performer in Asia this year, while the baht stands as the second-largest decliner in Southeast Asia since the May 14 vote.
With the fate of Thailand’s next prime minister hanging in the balance, uncertainty prevails, potentially influencing the nation’s political landscape and its post-election economic stability.
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