Senator Ratifications Delayed Amidst Vote-Rigging Allegations

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

The official ratification of all 200 senators-designate, initially scheduled for tomorrow, is expected to be postponed amid serious allegations of vote-rigging and other electoral irregularities.

 

Thailand's Election Commission is facing considerable pressure to delay confirming the 200 main senators and an additional 100 reserves. The move comes after numerous complaints were filed by defeated candidates, alleging bloc-vote rigging and false declarations of professions by certain winning candidates.

 

These claims have led to calls for thorough, evidence-based investigations, a process likely to extend over a significant period.

 

A key insider from the Election Commission, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that the scrutiny required for a fair investigation into these allegations will be time-consuming.

Many of the victorious candidates are accused of having clandestine ties with the Bhumjaithai party, allegedly orchestrated through intermediaries who distributed lists of preferred candidates during secret meetings at nearby hotels.

 

These meetings took place near the Muang Thong Thani trade exhibition and convention centre, the venue for the national stage of the election. Accusations also include candidates falsifying career information to position themselves as "puppet" contestants, receiving financial incentives for their participation.

 

This senatorial election is unprecedented in its complexity. Candidates received votes from their peers within the electoral pool rather than from a general electorate. Although the Election Commission had previously stated the ratification could proceed as early as tomorrow, it's now highly likely the process will be delayed.

 

The Commission has a legal timeframe of one year to complete its investigations into the alleged electoral misconduct. This retroactive measure allows the body to nullify the status of any senators found guilty of election law violations, ensuring only validly elected individuals serve in the legislature.

 

-- 2024-07-03

 

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[Geoffggi]

What a pathetic organisation, they are incapable of organising the proverbial Pi55-up in a brewery ....................LOL

[ikke1959]

They are not sure yet if the ones of the old guard and elite have the majority to stay in power.... First double check that before announcing the results, suppose the country would go forward

[OneMoreFarang]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

evidence-based investigations

 

Evidence-based investigations sound like a good idea. What are the other kind of investigations, do they ignore evidence? 

[dinsdale]

A complete sham from the beginning which was obviously open to corruption. The Senate should be a national vote by the people (has it's own problems TIT) not a selection where the voting public has no say in who represents them in the Senate and those selected, not elected pay off other selectees for their seat in the Senate.  

[Artisi]

4 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

 

Evidence-based investigations sound like a good idea. What are the other kind of investigations, do they ignore evidence? 

Luch box investigation, check the contents.

[greeneking]

5 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

 

Evidence-based investigations sound like a good idea. What are the other kind of investigations, do they ignore evidence? 

Don't forget the 'brain based learning' initiative for schools a few years back,. 

[OneMoreFarang]

53 minutes ago, greeneking said:

Don't forget the 'brain based learning' initiative for schools a few years back,. 

Did a foreigner come up with that idea? I find it hard to believe it was a local. 😉 

[hotchilli]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

A key insider from the Election Commission, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that the scrutiny required for a fair investigation into these allegations will be time-consuming.

Counting envelopes is time consuming...

[MikeandDow]

What a very stupid Idea!!!, how can theses senators represent the people ???? as can be seen now Total corruption, this is making a laughing stock of Thailand and shows how much Thailand is corrupt, the EC should be dismantled, The Thai people should do something about this at least the so called government should call a halt to this!!!!!

[john donson]

buy your place at the trough... unusual wealth guaranteed