Pro-democracy activists and Move Forward supporters rallied in Bangkok last night, in a show of defiance against what they see as a last-ditch attempt to prevent MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat becoming PM.
The Move Forward Party secured the most votes in the May 14 general election and created a coalition with 7 other parties, in a bid to form Thailand’s next government. Pita is the only PM candidate to have been nominated by the coalition, but his bid for the top job is now facing a couple of challenges.
Supporters gathered at the skywalk outside the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre yesterday evening to protest a last-minute decision by the Election Commission to submit a shareholding case against Pita to the Constitutional Court. The EC also requested that Pita be suspended as an MP pending the court’s ruling.
The EC has been aware of these issues from before the election, and then have chosen not to do anything about them since the May 14 election. Now, a day before the crucial vote for PM, they forwarded the complaints to the Constitutional Court.
The protest was in response to a call from prominent activist and human rights lawyer Anon Nampa. He took to Facebook to call on supporters to show their opposition by rallying in the capital yesterday evening.
“The outcome of the fight at the destination is unknown, whether we win or lose, but being insulted and demeaned as human beings is something we cannot accept. Responding to the oppressive authority that constantly undermines democracy is necessary, regardless of the outcome. Let everyone know that the fight has begun.”
SOURCE: Coconuts
