• 
• 

Published on February 13, 2008

Banharn was summoned to testify before the panel in charge of party dissolution cases after the EC disqualified Chart Thai deputy secretary-general Monthien Songpracha for electoral fraud - and all parties are now accountable for actions by their executives.

Bunthan Dokthaisong, who heads the EC's investigative panel, said Banharn testified that the party was not involved in electoral fraud committed by Monthien. Banharn said he would present a video tape showing him warning party members not to buy votes because the party could face dissolution if executives were caught.

Banharn told the panel he had warned all party members. Monthien and Nantana Songpracha signed a document to say they would not commit electoral fraud.

"The document is regarded as tangible evidence,'' Bunthan said.

Banharn said Monthien did not play a significant role in managing the party but he was given a position to help him score votes.

The Chart Thai leader admitted the party had given Bt200,000 to its candidates, including Monthien.

Monthien gave testimony to the same panel yesterday morning before Banharn.

Bunthan said the panel would resolve its investigation and give a recommendation to the EC before February 25.

Prior to the hearing, Banharn rejected reports he was disheartened by the party dissolution case and may quit politics.

"I am only 70 years old and I intend to live till 90 years old,'' he said.

The Nation