Election Commission Proceeds with Petition to Dissolve Six Coalition Parties.

Bangkok: The Election Commission chairman revealed that the petition to dissolve the 6 coalition parties is in the process of collecting facts. According to Thai News Agency, Ittiporn Boonprakong, the chairman of the Election Commission, stated that the fact-finding committee has a working framework of 30 days, which can be extended for another 30 days according to the law. The Election Commission is providing the accused an opportunity to submit evidence to counter the petition. The case has not yet reached the hands of the secretary of the Election Commission. Mr. Ittiporn discussed the examination of the petition to dissolve the 6 coalition parties, noting that after a total of 4 petitions were filed, a unified approach was taken, and the case documents were combined. The Secretary-General of the Election Commission, acting as the EC registrar, accepted the case and forwarded it to the fact-collection committee. This committee will gather evidence and proceed according to the process within a 30-day time frame, with a possible extension of another 30 days if needed. Once all opinions are compiled, they will be submitted to the Secretary-General of the EC. If actions are found that may violate the law, leading to the dissolution of the party, the Secretary-General will propose the matter to the EC meeting for further consideration. Mr. Itthiporn further explained that during the process of the fact-finding committee, a petitioner had already provided information. The regulations require the committee to give the accused an opportunity to acknowledge the facts and express their opinions, along with presenting supporting documents. The process may take some time, but once completed, it will be submitted to the Secretary-General of the EC. Regarding the qualifications of Ms. Kesakamon Pliansamai, a Senate member, Mr. Itthiporn mentioned that an EC meeting will consider the matter. The EC will review the case and may vote to agree, disagree, or investigate further. The resolution will be based on the procedure, and if an offense is found, the case will be sent to court. The time taken for consideration will depend on the need for additional witnesses or evidence. Mr. Itthiporn also noted that following the resignation of General Pisal Wattanawongkiri, the next MP on the party list was promoted to replace him, and an announcement was made.