The future of Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), hangs in the balance as details of complaints regarding violations of shareholding regulations are examined.
The outcomes of these investigations may determine whether the general elections held on May 14 stand or are nullified. These statements were made by Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, currently in a caretaker role.
The Deputy Prime Minister made these remarks when addressing inquiries about potential outcomes if the Constitutional Court determines that Mr. Pita is in violation.
Mr. Pita reportedly holds 42,000 shares in iTV, a broadcasting company established in the 1990s.
The Constitution prohibits a candidate from participating in an election if they hold a stake in a media company.
In light of the allegations against Mr. Pita, who is the MFP’s list-MP and the party’s prime ministerial candidate, the Election Commission (EC) has initiated an investigation.
These complaints challenge Mr. Pita’s legitimacy as an MP and potential future prime minister. It is speculated that the fate of all MFP candidates could be affected by this situation.
Mr Wissanu stated, ”The details of the complaints are a key factor in determining how things will play out.”
Should the complaints solely target his MP status, Mr. Pita might still be eligible for the prime ministerial role despite being disqualified, as the law does not necessitate a prime minister to hold an MP position, he noted.
Mr Wissanu added that if the complaints challenge Mr. Pita’s qualification to become prime minister, he could still serve as an MP.
However, if both issues are implicated in the complaints, it could impact Mr. Pita’s endorsement of election candidates in the May 14 election, depending on the court’s ruling.
The direction of this situation will depend on the specifics of the complaints and whether they address these three points, he explained.
In response to what might happen if the complaints challenge Mr. Pita’s endorsement of MFP candidates, Mr Wissanu suggested a new nationwide general election could be a possible outcome.
Wissanu stated that he does not have knowledge of the specifics of the complaints against Mr. Pita and that he is not implying how a complaint should be formulated.
He encouraged individuals to avoid making premature assumptions. “You should not have such a far-fetched imagination. Consider it step by step. The EC has not taken any action. Do not jump towards any negative scenarios just yet,” he advised.
The details of the complaints are a key factor in determining how things will play out stated Mr. Wissanu.
Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a political activist who submitted the complaints, confirmed that they encompass all relevant points, including the implications on Mr. Pita’s party leadership and his certification of MFP candidates.
When questioned about Mr Wissanu’s statements, Mr. Pita stated on Wednesday that he is not concerned about the complaints and the party is prepared to handle the situation.
The MFP leader further mentioned that he has enough time to address the accusations and has yet to see the specific complaints.
In response to criticism regarding the establishment of transition teams, he maintained that it’s a common practice in other democracies, and it was not intended to pressure the Senate to vote for him as Prime Minister.
He further clarified that the transition team and the seven working panels are not a shadow cabinet but are formed to address issues outlined in the memorandum of understanding.
