Protesters blast Election Commission for filing lawsuit against Pita

DEMONSTRATORS flocked to the open space in front of Bangkok Art & Cultural Centre this evening (July 12) to protest against the Election Commission after the agency decided to file an MP-disqualifying lawsuit against Move Forward leader/prime minister-designate Pita Limjaroenrat at the Constitutional Court, Matichon newspaper said.

The prime minister-designate has been accused by the polling agency of holding a tiny fragment of 42,000 shares accounting for 0.0035% of non-operating ITV channel whilst Pita has invariably dismissed the allegation saying he did by no means possess those inherited shares which he claimed to have merely held as manager.

Protesters gathered there after Mr. Anon Nampha, a human rights lawyer and activist, posted a message on his Facebook page saying, “Battling at the end of the road but not knowing whether it will be defeat or victory, yet repeatedly insulting human dignity cannot be tolerated.”

He then urged his followers to assemble at this spot this evening to send a message to the Election Commission and the senators.

Nat (alias) who was holding up a sign saying “Don’t use power beyond limit” said he came because he could not bear it anymore and asked whether the authorities still see the people.

“The miracle of the law is destroying the will of the people,” he said.

Mr. Thatchapong Kaedum, or Boy, said Anon had asked him to be the MC at this rally to show displeasure at the Election Commission with permission obtained to do so thus it was a hundred percent legally correct.

“Today is the starting point of people unable to stand it anymore. Those who are too powerful are playing tricks to prevent the vote for prime minister according to the resolution. Today is the breaking point,” he said.

In his impassioned speech Anon said the dictator’s servants have shown their power with election commissioners deserving a jail term.

He added that it is very clear what their intention is as they made this decision just one day before the vote for prime minister so as to give senators a reason to either not cast their vote or abstain but what they do not know is the people won’t accept this.

CAPTION:

Mr. Anon Nampha giving a speech at this evening’s demonstration, above and Front Page, and a demonstrator holding a sign saying, “See us too and the person 14 million people voted for”, insert. Photos: Matichon

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