MFP coalition wants to start work sooner

The prospective coalition of eight political parties has agreed to bring forward their timeframe for forming a new government by 2-3 weeks, and to set up two more working groups.

Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat chaired a meeting of the eight parties at Pheu Thai headquarters yesterday.

Leaders and representatives of the parties attended the meeting. They included Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew; Prachachat Party leader Wan Muhammad Nor Matha; Thai Sang Thai Party deputy leader Anudith Nakornthap; Pheu Thai Ruam Phalang leader Wasawat Poungponsri; Seri Ruam Thai leader Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyaves and Fair leader Pitipong Temcharoen.

After the meeting, Mr Pita said they welcomed the Election Commission’s (EC) move to speed up the endorsement of at least 95% of all MPs-elect.

If the EC endorses the poll results sooner, the leaders of the parties have agreed the formation of the next government could be moved forward by 2-3 weeks, well ahead of schedule, the MFP leader said.

Earlier, EC chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong said he was confident the poll results would be endorsed well ahead of the mid-July deadline.

Under the law, the EC has 60 days from election day, or until July 13, to certify at least 95% of all MPs-elect and make the results official.

Mr Pita said that if the government could be formed faster, budget planning could also be moved up by 2-3 weeks.

The alliance would meet again at Thai Sang Thai headquarters on June 20, he added.

The parties also agreed to set up two more working groups, one for reforming the fishing sector and one to oversee the transition of fiscal budget management.

Once the government is formed, budgets could be allocated to address the problems affecting the people, Mr Pita said.

Speaking after the meeting, Gp Capt Anudith said the complaint against Mr Pita over his media shareholding would not have any bearing on Thai Sang Thai’s decision to support the MFP-led coalition’s bid to form a government.

“Thai Sang Thai has made it clear from the beginning that it will back the party which won the most House seats to be the leader for forming the government,” he said, referring to MFP.

Mr Wan, the Prachachat leader, said the EC should ensure there will be no delay in endorsing the winning candidates.

The poll agency should take into account the desire of voters, who want to see their elected representatives get to work as quickly as possible, Mr Wan said.