Calls for Recount Amid Claims of Senatorial Vote Irregularities

[webfact]

 

The Election Commission (EC) faces mounting pressure to recount senatorial votes cast on Wednesday, as allegations of widespread voting irregularities emerge.

 

Klanarong Chantik, who chairs the acting Senate Committee on charter-mandated Independent Organisations, has formally requested EC Chairman Itthiporn Boonpracong to invoke Section 59 of the Senator Election Act. This section permits the EC to order a recount to address the allegations of discrepancies that spanned district to national ballots.

 

In his urgent letter, Klanarong highlighted various inconsistencies, such as questions over candidate qualifications, accusations of candidates being "hired" by political groups, and reports that some did not even vote for themselves. Furthermore, he pointed to unusual voting patterns and rumours of bribes offered for specific votes.

 

Klanarong, a former member of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, emphasised that such irregularities undermine the Constitution’s mandate for fair and just elections. He warned that public trust in the Senate could erode if these issues are not transparently addressed.

 

Adding weight to the calls for a recount, five unsuccessful candidates have filed a joint petition with the EC. They demand a thorough investigation into what they describe as "suspicious incidents" throughout the electoral process. 

 

The group of failed candidates highlighted concerns such as identifiable clothing patterns among some candidate groups, which made them easily recognisable. They also argued that the EC had failed to adequately verify the backgrounds of candidates in relation to the groups they supposedly represented.

 

With these claims out in the open, the next steps by the EC will be crucial in determining the public’s confidence in the electoral process and the legitimacy of the new Senate. For now, eyes are on the EC's response to these urgent and serious concerns.

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

-- 2024-06-29

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

[Artisi]

Come on, this is Thailand where everything is honest, above board and transparent - how could any irregularities occur? 

[lom]

Thaksin is unsatisfied with the outcome of the senator election..

[webfact]

Thaksin Outmanoeuvred in Brother-in-Law’s Senate Bid: Analyst

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

Thaksin Shinawatra, the influential figure behind the Pheu Thai party, was unexpectedly sidelined in a senatorial election, leaving his brother-in-law and former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat outvoted. This surprising turn of events has raised suspicions of internal betrayal within the Pheu Thai ranks.

 

Ful story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1331043-thaksin-outmanoeuvred-in-brother-in-law’s-senate-bid-analyst/

[dinsdale]

14 Senators selected from Buriram. Tell me that doesn't stink.

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Klanarong, a former member of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, emphasised that such irregularities undermine the Constitution’s mandate for fair and just elections

How anyone could say this with a straight face is obviously deluded (maybe it can be said that elections are free and fair, it's what happens after via the EC and CC) and I'm not sure what a recount will achieve. Maybe a check of bank accounts for recent large deposits might be more beneficial.

Said before and will say it again. This was not an election it was a selection open to fraud and corruption and in no way is representative of the views and opinions of the people of Thailand. A complete and total sham.

 

[jaywalker2]

This is the group that's supposed to ensure the integrity of the Parliament

[hotchilli]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

The Election Commission (EC) faces mounting pressure to recount senatorial votes cast on Wednesday, as allegations of widespread voting irregularities emerge.

And the EC said it was going to be all above board

[Wiggy]

It’s all a misunderstanding. 

[Andycoops]

The EC is a corrupt organ of the military and follows their lead.

[nahkit]

On 6/29/2024 at 6:27 AM, webfact said:

emphasised that such irregularities undermine the Constitution’s mandate for fair and just elections. He warned that public trust in the Senate could erode if these issues are not transparently addressed.

 

Fair and just? Didn't they appoint 200 of them last time around? Hardly fair and just.

 

Public trust in the Senate could erode?  🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[sherwood]

Oh how I laughed!

Stupid Thai counts.

Sheesh