Future Forward leaning toward a by-election over its absent Nakhon Pathom MP 

By The Nation

 

 

The Future Forward Party may have its female MP in Nakhon Pathom’s Constituency 5 resign to pave the way for a by-election, as she was injured in a road accident and has not yet reported for work.

 

A source from the party said it may decide to ask for the resignation of Jumpita Chantharakhajorn, who is still recovering from the road accident.

 

Jumpita has not yet reported to work after winning her riding in the election earlier this year due to the accident and her injuries, and has so far not attended any meetings of the House.

 

The source said the party may field her husband, Pharatthachote Chantharakhajorn, in the subsequent by-election.

 

Jumpita won the election with 34,164 votes, beating Democrat Party candidate Surachai Anudthato with 18,970 votes, and Phalang Pracharat candidate Rawan Netrphokaew with 18,741 vote. Former Nakhon Pathom MP Padomechai Sasomsup, who ran for Chart Thai Pattana, received only 12,279 votes.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30374949

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2019-08-19

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1 hour ago, webfact said:

The Future Forward Party may have its female MP in Nakhon Pathom’s Constituency 5 resign to pave the way for a by-election, as she was injured in a road accident and has not yet reported for work.

 

A source from the party said it may decide to ask for the resignation of Jumpita Chantharakhajorn, who is still recovering from the road accident.

 

This is real life, these things happen. The party is scratching for votes and feels every absence. If she is badly injured and unlikely to take her seat this may be the only way forward (pun intended).

In more mature democracies the other side of parliament offers a "pair" in these types of situations, where a member of their side does not vote to take advantage of the absence. It can give some MP's a chance to go on "research" trips and other parliamentary business without causing an upset with a vote on the floor. This arrangement is organised by the whips as part of their duties. In Australia MP's have gone off to have babies, get cancer treatment and attend international forums amongst other legitimate reasons for not turning up for work.

Serious question, can they not field a proxy in cases like this? Surely there must be some provisions.