EC Could Consider Certification Of MPs Tomorrow As MFP Continues To Fight Lawfare

The Election Commission (EC) set aside four petitions to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP), according to a source speaking with the Bangkok Post, but legal headwinds hindering the party's efforts to take power remain. Last Friday, the electoral body decided to launch an Article 151 probe against MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat, to determine if he illegally applied for office despite knowing that he was not qualified.

• Local political analysts have suggested that the pending criminal case against Pita pose a threat to his bid to become Prime Minister by giving an excuse to Senators not to vote for his nomination. Such sentiment was expressed by Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, a former election commissioner.
• A fresh hurdle for the MFP emerged as a video recording of a meeting of iTV shareholders was at odds with the official minutes with respect to the company's status as a media outlet. Candidates for public office are prohibited from holdings shares in media companies.
• Thai Enquirer reported that the EC could consider the certification of MPs at their meeting tomorrow. The first batch of MPs to be certified will be the "White group" of lawmaker-elects against whom there are no complaints (there are around 20-30 MPs facing complaints). According to Thai Enquirer, the EC wants to complete the process by the month-end because one commissioner retires on June 28.