Bangkok: The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) has announced the removal of three candidates from the party-list proportional representation system, citing a lack of qualifications. This development affects three separate political parties as the ECT continues its mandate to ensure that candidates meet the necessary eligibility criteria.
According to Thai News Agency, the ECT's action is in line with the Constitution Act on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives B.E. 2561 and its amendments. Section 61 of this act allows the ECT to petition the Supreme Court to disqualify candidates deemed ineligible before election day. The Supreme Court has complied with this provision by ordering the removal of three candidates from the proportional representation list for the House of Representatives.
Among those disqualified is Mr. Somchok Chanthong, who was ranked number 2 on the Palang Dharma Mai Party's list. Mr. Samak Sunthornvej Preechachaiwat of the Thai Kao Mai Party, ranked at number 59, and Mr. Chokchai Chanwiset, ranked number 99, have also been removed from their respective lists.
The Supreme Court's recent decision follows a similar action on February 7, when 22 candidates were removed from the party-list system for failing to vote in the election. In total, 25 candidates have now been disqualified from running in the upcoming election under the party-list system.