Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat claimed today (Wednesday) that he has been unfairly treated by the Election Commission (EC), with its decision to submit the iTV share case to the Constitutional Court for consideration, without giving him a chance to defend himself.

In reacting to the EC’s decision, which came one day ahead of the selection of the prime minister in parliament tomorrow, Pita said he understands the intention of the law, which prohibits politicians using the media with a political agenda. He noted that the iTV channel ceased operating a long time ago and the media company has not earned any revenue from the TV channel.

“There is no way for me to benefit from a media entity which ceased operations about 17 years ago,” said Pita, as he pointed out the commission’s submission of his case to the Charter Court after considering it for about 32 days, which seems hasty when compared to a similar case against the cabinet, for which the EC took 386 days.

He said he does not understand what the issues, over which the commission has doubts, are in the iTV case, but they have never asked him for a clarification.

The Move Forward party leader and prime ministerial candidate said that, during the past four years as an MP, he has consulted both the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the EC about his shares in iTV and they all assured him that there is no problem.

“…. but one day before the vote in parliament, a problem has emerged,” said Pita, adding that it cannot be helped if people find the EC’s move suspicious and he expects the commission to clarify the matter.

Although the EC’s move is not a surprise to some, Pita said that he believes there are attempts to block the coalition parties from forming a new government, by using various tricks. “If not iTV, then there will be other issues,” he said.