Bangkok: Clarifying the announcement regarding the party's policy examination will benefit the country. The Secretary-General of the Election Commission revealed that there are three conditions that the caretaker cabinet must approve for the Election Commission. If more are requested, the Election Commission will have to consider it because there is ongoing competition, in order to ensure fairness. He explained that the announcement regarding the scrutiny of party policies exceeds the law but is beneficial to the country, adding that there are knowledgeable and capable individuals assisting in the review.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Saeng Boonmee, Secretary-General of the Election Commission, addressed the work of the current caretaker cabinet, stating that the government must comply with the regulations of Article 169 of the Constitution. There are three matters that must be submitted to the Election Commission for approval: 1. Projects and various tasks; 2. Personnel appointments and transfers; and 3. The use of state resources or the central budget.
Regarding which projects submitted by the government are feasible or not, it doesn't automatically mean they will be approved if they are done correctly. Sometimes, they may meet certain conditions, such as requiring approval from the Election Commission. The Commission must consider these requests because the competition is currently underway. We cannot say now whether they are approved or not, as they haven't been submitted yet. This is to ensure fair competition.
Mr. Saeng also commented on the Election Commission's announcement regarding the scrutiny of political party policies, stating that they were exceeding the law but that it was beneficial to the nation. He explained that previously, political parties were only required to meet four conditions, but this time, society wanted more scrutiny. Therefore, they invited organizations with expertise in economics and other areas to assist in the verification process. This work aims to protect the best interests of the nation.
Reporters stated that the announcement contained the following: The Election Commission issued an announcement regarding the criteria and methods for verifying political party policies requiring expenditure for advertising purposes in 2025. It stipulates that political party policies used for advertising must take into account the opinions of party branches and provincial representatives. Any policy requiring advertising expenditure must include at least the following: 1. The amount of money required and the source of the funds; 2. The cost-effectiveness and benefits of implementing the policy; and 3. The impact and risks of implementing the policy. Political party policies must be reported to the Commission at least 20 days before the general election for members of the House of Representatives.
The committee may appoint an audit committee consisting of at least three individuals with knowledge, skills, and experience in at least one area related to finance, public policy, and macroeconomics, with the following duties and powers: 1. To audit the policies of political parties.
2. The committee will request supporting documents from the political party to provide clarification for its consideration. However, if the clarifications are incomplete or inaccurate, the committee will order the political party to complete and correct the information within a specified timeframe.