The Election Commission’s (EC) decision to seek a ruling from the Charter Court on Pita Limjaroenrat’s iTV share case has been criticized as hasty and suspicious. Move Forward party secretary-general Chaithawat Tulathon accused the EC of acting inappropriately by not giving Pita a chance to defend himself before submitting the case to the Constitutional Court. Chaithawat and a group of Move Forward MPs held a press conference to express their concerns immediately after the EC’s decision.
Chaithawat claimed that the EC did not follow its own regulations in investigating and making a decision on Pita’s case. Pita was accused of owning 42,000 shares in iTV, a media company, which he inherited from his deceased father almost twenty years ago. Despite the allegations, Chaithawat insisted that Pita would be nominated for his MP position and warned the EC and other independent organizations to refrain from abusing their authority.
In response to the situation, it was reported that Democrat MPs unanimously decided to abstain from voting on Pita’s nomination. The party justified this decision by stating that it aligns with their stance of not supporting a candidate from a party that advocates amending the lèse-majesté law.
The hasty nature of the EC’s decision has raised concerns about due process and fairness. The accusation against Pita relates to shares he inherited many years ago, raising questions about the validity of the case. Chaithawat emphasized the importance of allowing individuals to defend themselves and not jumping to conclusions without a thorough investigation. The EC should have followed its own regulations to ensure transparency and credibility in its decision-making process.
On the other hand, Democrat MPs’ decision to abstain from voting reflects their party’s firm position on not supporting candidates from parties that advocate changes to the lèse-majesté law. While this decision aligns with their principles, it also highlights the political divisions and conflicts regarding the issue.
The case surrounding Pita’s iTV shareholding has become a contentious topic, with multiple perspectives and opinions at play. It is essential to consider all viewpoints and allow for a fair and thorough examination of the allegations against Pita. The Charter Court’s involvement will hopefully provide clarity and resolve any doubts surrounding the case.
The political landscape in Thailand remains complex, with different parties and individuals holding diverse opinions on key issues. As the case progresses, it is crucial that the process is conducted transparently and fairly, respecting the rights of all individuals involved. Upholding due process and adhering to regulations will be crucial in ensuring the credibility of the outcomes. Only then can the public have confidence in the decisions made by independent organizations like the EC and the Charter Court.
In conclusion, the EC’s hasty decision to refer Pita Limjaroenrat’s iTV share case to the Constitutional Court without giving him a chance to defend himself has been criticized as suspicious. Move Forward party secretary-general Chaithawat Tulathon accused the EC of not following its own regulations in the investigation. Meanwhile, Democrat MPs have decided to abstain from voting on Pita’s nomination, citing their party’s stance on the lèse-majesté law. The case highlights the need for transparency, fairness, and adherence to due process in the decision-making process of independent organizations.
