Allegations of vote-rigging have thrown the recent Senate election into turmoil, with losing candidates and observers urging the Election Commission (EC) to investigate suspected fraud. Over 100 unsuccessful candidates, spearheaded by Senator-elect Nanthana Nanthawarophas, are calling for a thorough inquiry.

 

Senator Nanthawarophas, representing a media professionals group, disclosed that the top seven candidates seemingly colluded, avoiding interactions with others during the election process. "Some groups conspired to manipulate the voting results, potentially backed by political parties," she asserted, adding that the EC must investigate.

 

Although Nanthawarophas stopped short of calling for the Senate election's annulment, she stressed the need for scrutiny and action against irregularities. "We can't let the caretaker Senate, appointed by coup makers, stay in power indefinitely because of this."

 

She also advocated for future Senate elections to allow direct voter participation, simplifying the currently complex and reportedly tainted process.

Caretaker senator Somchai Swangkarn exposed further details on Facebook, alleging that candidates were bribed to cast votes for specific interests. District-level candidates reportedly received 4,000 baht each for registration and other expenses. If they advanced to the provincial level, they received an additional 2,000 to 3,000 baht for further expenses.

 

"But these candidates didn't vote for themselves; they almost unanimously voted for particular candidates, who now dominate the top spots," Somchai revealed.

 

Yingcheep Atchanont, manager of the Internet Dialogue on Law Reform (iLaw), highlighted similar concerns. He noted that Angkhana Neelapaijit, a former National Human Rights Commission member and Senate winner, received fewer votes than lesser-known candidates from Buriram.

 

"Some candidates from Buriram, like a former school director and a village health volunteer, received more votes than Angkhana, who ranked lower on the list," he pointed out.

 

These allegations have intensified calls for the EC to investigate, aiming to preserve the election's integrity and address any suspected collusion or fraud.

 

Picture courtesy: Simabforkids

 

-- 2024-06-28

 

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I would be more surprised if their wasn't any fraud, this is the land of scams, frauds, corruption, greed, selfishness. All the vices are represented here...

This selection was always open to fraud and corruption. A complete idiotic idea. Individuals selecting individuals rather than the voting population electing individuals to represent them in the Senate. 

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Senator Nanthawarophas, representing a media professionals group, disclosed that the top seven candidates seemingly colluded, avoiding interactions with others during the election process. "Some groups conspired to manipulate the voting results, potentially backed by political parties," she asserted, adding that the EC must investigate

If it ain't rigged it ain't Thai

if the voting is rigged how come Thaksins brother in law and ex prime minister couldn't get elected. Not complaining just curious. 

1 hour ago, jippytum said:

if the voting is rigged how come Thaksins brother in law and ex prime minister couldn't get elected. Not complaining just curious. 

That was obviously a rigged thing to make everything look 100% proper!!!!😏😏😏😏

2 hours ago, dinsdale said:

This selection was always open to fraud and corruption. A complete idiotic idea. Individuals selecting individuals rather than the voting population electing individuals to represent them in the Senate. 

Correct  how can the Thais say they have a democracy system these people just want to feed at the trough  they have NOT been voted in by the people so how can they represent the people