Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat (left) talks to members of the media after accompanying his party's newly elected House of Representatives members to report to the Parliament in Bangkok on June 27, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)
BANGKOK – Thailand's Election Commission (EC) decided on Wednesday to refer the disqualification case of prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat to the Constitutional Court for consideration.
The EC said in a statement that there is evidence indicating that Move Forward Party leader Pita owned shares in a media company at the time of registering his election candidacy for the May 14 election, which violates the Thai constitution.
Local media reports stated that the EC has requested the court to order Pita to immediately cease performing his duty as an MP until the court makes a final ruling
Local media reports stated that the EC has requested the court to order Pita to immediately cease performing his duty as an MP until the court makes a final ruling.
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The Move Forward Party later, in a statement, questioned the move, saying the EC was rushing the referral to seek a court ruling on Pita's case.
According to the election law, Pita should have had an opportunity to respond and deny the accusations before the referral, the statement said.
The EC's decision comes just one day ahead of a joint sitting of the bicameral parliament to select the country's next prime minister.
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Pita is scheduled to contest the vote, where eight parties in a coalition led by the Move Forward Party have nominated him.