EC Summons Pita To Testify On Media Shareholding Allegations

Local media report that Thailand's Election Commission (EC) summoned Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat to testify on the allegations that he knowingly defied rules by running for public office despite owning shares in a media company. According to Thai Enquirer, the EC is expected to announce its decision in the so-called shareholding case as soon as today, and may refer the case to the Constitutional Court.

• Following initial reports that the EC was preparing to announce its decision, the MFP questioned the neutrality of the election panel and expressed concern that the body may have bypassed its procedures to expedite the case against Pita.
• If Pita is found guilty of illegally seeking office, he could face a hefty fine, 1-10 year imprisonment and a 20-year voting ban. The EC's announcement comes on the eleventh hour ahead of the PM vote slated for this Thursday.
• A negative verdict from the EC and the Constitutional Court would prevent Pita, leader of election front-runners MFP, from taking office as Thailand's Prime Minister, fueling the existing political turmoil surrounding the process of government formation.
• It remains unclear if Pita would be able to garner enough support in the military-appointed Senate. The Bangkok Post reported that the MFP-led coalition are still discussing options for a scenario in which Pita fails in the first vote.