Election Commission (EC) Chairman Itthiphol Boonpracong urged former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra today to address voluntarily, in writing or verbally, allegations that he is dominating the Pheu Thai party.
He told the media that the EC has already sent notifications to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of Pheu Thai party, and leaders of the other parties seeking clarification, after several complaints have been filed with the EC accusing the parties of allowing themselves to be controlled by Thaksin, which would violate the Political Parties Act if true.
He also said that such complaints are being investigated by a fact-finding committee and its conclusions will be submitted to the EC registrar for a decision on which complaints require further action.
Itthiphol disclosed that the registrar has shortlisted four of the complaints, which contain details which, if proved, could justify dissolution of the parties, and notifications have been sent to the parties in question seeking explanations.
The EC chairman admitted, however, that the EC is powerless to summon Thaksin to explain his position, but most election commissioners would prefer to see him address the issue voluntarily or assign someone to do so on his behalf.
