Supreme Court to rule whether PPP a nominee

In the first case, the high court will hand down the ruling on January 15 in the litigation raised by Democrat candidate Chaiwat Sinsuwong.

The upcoming judicial opinion has attracted attention because it could lead to the cancellation of the election victory if the People Power Party is found to be a political nominee to contest the December 23 election.

Chaiwat contends four legal issues - whether the People Power Party is qualified for the race as a nominee of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai party, whether People Power leader Samak Sundaravej is a proxy in the race, whether the advance voting is valid and whether the distribution of video CDs featuring former prime minister Thaksin Shinwatra is illegal.

Presiding judge Chalee Thappawimol issued a summons for the People Power to submit defence evidence within seven days to rebut charges of being nominee.

He also ruled not to issue an injunction to suspend the advance voting results although he would address the issue if he deems it necessary to lauch the judicial review.

For the second case, the high court is to rule on January 16 relating to the dispute raised by northeastern activist Thepphanom Siriwithayarak. The plaintiff charges the Election Commission for mismanaging the advance voting process and asks for the cancellation of results.

In the third case, the high court will hand down its ruling on January 11. The dispute has been raised by New Aspriation Party spokesmand Sarwut Thongpen contending that the EC has no jurisdiction to organise the advance voting.

The Nation