Top Opposition Leaders to Address Public Ahead of Critical Ruling on Party Dissolution
PUBLISHED: 30 Jul 2024 at 20:59
The Move Forward Party is committed to promoting progressive policies despite an impending ruling from the Constitutional Court regarding its potential dissolution, according to spokesman Parit Wacharasindhu. He emphasized the party’s determination to continue its advocacy regardless of the court’s decision, expected on Aug 7.
Party leader Chaithawat Tulathon and chief adviser Pita Limjaroenrat will address supporters this Friday, outlining the party’s legal arguments submitted to the court. Parit expressed optimism as the party continues to fulfill its responsibilities within the House of Representatives by pushing for legislative reforms and holding the government accountable.
Additionally, the party is focusing on local governance issues, including the election for the Ratchaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation chairman.
“We clarify that our actions are not aimed at undermining the democratic system with the monarchy as head of state,” stated Parit, who also serves as a list-MP. “On Friday, we will reiterate our party’s direction and address any concerns.”
The Constitutional Court is set to decide whether the Move Forward Party should be dissolved, following a complaint from the Election Commission regarding a violation of Section 92 of the organic law on political parties. This complaint arose after the court’s earlier ruling suggested that the party’s efforts to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, concerning lese-majeste laws, indicated a threat to the constitutional monarchy.
The Election Commission is also seeking to bar the party’s executives from future elections and impose a 10-year ban on their ability to register or serve in any new political party.
Rangsiman Rome, a key MP for Move Forward, argued that dissolving political parties should not be a quick resolution from legal authorities, highlighting the necessity of public support in any such decision.
Having emerged from the dissolution of the Future Forward Party in 2020, which faced consequences for financial mismanagement, Move Forward demonstrated substantial electoral support by winning the majority of seats in the recent 2023 elections. However, the party could not form a government due to resistance from the military-appointed Senate.
“The fate of a political party should reflect the will of the public, not solely rely on judicial interventions,” stated Rangsiman. “Citizens should determine which policies and political entities they wish to support.”
Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, secretary-general of the Progressive Movement, criticized the media’s focus on leadership dynamics within Move Forward rather than the legitimate legal challenges the party is facing. He expressed concern over the diminishing public interest in legal principles governing party dissolution, suggesting that such processes have become tools for political suppression in Thailand.
