Thai election body seeks court to dissolve Move Forward party

The basis for this action is the party’s advocacy for altering a law related to defamation of the monarchy

The Election Commission of Thailand announced its intention to petition a court for the dissolution of the opposition Move Forward party.

The basis for this action is the party’s advocacy for altering a law related to defamation of the monarchy, which is perceived to pose a threat to the nation’s governance structure.

Following a ruling by the Constitutional Court earlier this year, which deemed Move Forward’s proposals to amend the lese majeste law unconstitutional, the Election Commission has concluded that the party’s actions are detrimental to the democratic framework where the monarch serves as the head of state.

The Commission’s decision, influenced by the Constitutional Court’s verdict, is unanimous in its recommendation to dissolve the Move Forward party. 

Move Forward, known for its progressive stance and strong support among young and urban voters, secured a significant victory in the previous year’s election, defeating military-backed factions.

However, its efforts to revise the lese majeste laws faced opposition from conservative legislators aligned with the royalist military, hindering the party’s attempts to form a government.

Potential repercussions of the party’s dissolution include a 10-year prohibition on its leaders from engaging in political activities. 

Thailand’s lese majeste legislation imposes severe penalties, including up to 15 years of imprisonment, for any perceived insults or defamation directed at the royal family.

The monarchy, revered and protected by the constitution, is regarded with profound respect, and the lese majeste law is considered inviolable by many royalists.

Despite criticisms from rights advocates who argue that the law is used to suppress dissent and hinder reforms, the palace traditionally refrains from commenting on the issue. 

Move Forward has maintained that its initiative to amend Article 112 aimed to fortify the constitutional monarchy and prevent potential misuse of the law.

The party has denied any intention to subvert the democratic system with the monarch as the symbolic leader and has expressed its commitment to defending its position before the Constitutional Court.

Party leaders have indicated preparedness for potential dissolution, asserting that their ideological principles will endure. 

The party’s agenda, which includes challenging monopolistic practices and advocating for the military’s exclusion from political affairs, has garnered significant public support but has also drawn opposition from influential conservative factions.

The party’s predecessor, Future Forward, faced dissolution in 2020 for violating campaign finance regulations while promoting similar progressive policies. 

 Source: Reuters