Aec to argue for extension

Sithichok Sricharoen, a leader of the legal team, said they had completed drafting the statement and would submit it to the AEC today before forwarding the statement to the Supreme Court's Political Division for Political Office Holders.

The court had earlier suggested the Constitution Court rule on whether the extension of the AEC's term was legitimate after the lottery case suspects argued the AEC did not have the authority to investigate corruption cases because its term was extended unconstitutionally.

Nakhon Chompuchart insisted the Council for Democratic Reform Order No 30 lawfully endorsed the AEC to carry out corruption investigations. The National Legislative Assembly amended the CDR order and extended the AEC's term with legitimacy.

He said if the AEC did not have authority, other laws legislated by the NLA would not have effect either. The Surayud government extended the AEC's term from September 30 last year to June this year.

The lawyers cited two Supreme Court rulings that coup groups who successfully seize power have the right to legislate law to run the country, so the CDR's orders were regarded as legitimate.