Bangkok, Thailand – Thailand’s constitutional court on Monday annulled the results of last month’s national elections, breaking a political stalemate that had left Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in office despite his promise to resign in face of massive demonstrations.
By ordering new polls, the judges have cleared the way for the selection of a parliament that can name a replacement for Thaksin and end months of political turbulence.
Thaksin had agreed to step aside days after he was re-elected to a third term in snap polls that were boycotted by the main opposition parties. With public anger mounting over allegations that he improperly enriched himself in a telecommunications deal, the prime minister turned over his daily responsibilities to a deputy and promised to formally relinquish power after parliament convened.
But under Thai law, a new session could not open because several dozen seats remained vacant after candidates running uncontested failed to win at least 20 percent of the eligible vote. A second round of voting in these districts did not fill those seats.
With no obvious solution in sight, Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej called on the country’s senior judges in a televised address two weeks ago to resolve what he called the “political mess” by addressing the democratic shortcomings of an election involving only one party.
Taking their cue from the revered monarch, the judges voted 8-6 that balloting last month was unconstitutional and then voted 9-5 to call new polls later this year, according to court spokesman Paithoon Warahapaithoon. The country’s election commission has yet to schedule the new elections, but political analysts say they are likely to take place after national celebrations in June marking the 60th anniversary of the king’s ascension to the throne.
The judges found an opportunity to nullify the election results by ruling on a lawsuit filed by Thai academics, alleging several violations by the election commission. The court agreed with the plaintiffs that the short campaign period, 37 days, did not satisfy the intention of the constitution. The judges further ruled that the positioning of voting booths made it difficult for voters to cast their ballots secretly.
The elections also had been challenged on grounds that Thaksin’s party, Thais Love Thais, had improperly financed smaller parties in a bid to create the appearance of contested races and that the election commission had failed to carry out proper reviews before issuing its resolutions.
The court’s decision had been widely anticipated after the judges ordered an injunction late last month against a third round of balloting meant to fill the vacant parliamentary seats. Thaksin’s party has already begun rallying for a return to the hustings.
Agriculture Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan, a top figure in Thaksin’s political organization, said the party “humbly welcomed” the court verdict and was ready to run in a new election.
The main opposition Democrat Party also praised the ruling. Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said the Democrats would abandon their boycott and join the contest “so the country can move forward.”
Even if he keeps his word to step aside, Thaksin will remain highly influential because he will continue to lead and bankroll his party, which goes into the new election campaign heavily favored to win. Despite facing allegations of corruption and autocratic rule, he remains widely popular in the countryside largely because of his populist economic policies.
