The Dissolution of political parties : a study of constitutional court's verdicts on the People Power Party, the Chart Thai Party and the Matchimathipataya Party
Abstract:
To study solution of electoral corruption by dissolution of political party regarding Section 237 of Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550, as shown in decision of Constitutional Court which dissolved People Power Party, Chart Thai Party and Neutral Democratic Party, and to study effects of such decision on Thai political party development thereafter. According to the studying, it is found that the measure of punishment under the Electoral Act by rendering the dissolution of political party shall not be able to solve the problem of electoral corruption. The electoral corruption is still found in reelection of member of the House of Representative in some area by uncomplicated and invariable methods. Notwithstanding, dissolution of political party persuades electoral candidates into stipulate campaign cautiously, especially, the electoral candidates of political party which has been dissolved. Therefore, the dissolution of political party is seen as implement of eliminating political competitor. Furthermore, such dissolution of political party impedes political party from development and changes. Whenever the member of political party, which has been dissolved, moves to others political party and still manages political activities, policies and ideologies under the notion and influence of leader of such party who is unable to take an official position on politics. As a result of repelling electoral right of leader and committees of the political party for a period of five years, the present political party becomes an agent of political party and this shall affect each political party by decreasing the number of executive committees of the political party.