200 Senators Report For Duty Amid Election Controversy

[webfact]

 

In a key move within Thai politics, 200 new senators have reported for duty, following the close of a contentious election marred by allegations of irregularities.

 

These appointments take place as the Thai Election Commission (EC) aggressively pursails investigations into accusations of election fraud and collusion that have tainted the voting process concluded on June 26.

 

The reporting of these senators, expected to receive their official certificates by the end of the week, marks a significant transition as they replace the previous cohort appointed by a military-aligned administration in 2019. The shuffle is part of a broader electoral overhaul following Thailand’s latest three-stage senatorial elections.

 

Meanwhile, the EC, collaborating with the Royal Thai Police, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), and the Anti-Money Laundering Office, is probing deep into a myriad of complaints related to the conduct of these elections. Specific attention is being paid to potential collusion aimed at influencing the electoral results.

 

During an intense meeting, EC officials declared that the election process adhered to the legal requisites, hence moving forward with the certification of results and validation of newly appointed senators.

 

A notable event in the certification process was the disqualification of Senator-elect Kohdeeyoh Songngam due to ineligible political association, leading to Major Korapot Runghirunwat stepping into the vacated senate seat.

 

Controversially, the Commission defended its execution of the election process against rising critique. EC Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee outlined the classification of grievances ranging from manipulation to breaches during the vote and issues with candidate qualifications.

 

Out of 1,917 candidates scrutinised, over 600 were turned away for failing to meet eligibility criteria.

 

This unfolding scenario highlights the EC’s stringent efforts to uphold electoral integrity amid swirling accusations. With the ultimate endorsement of the election results, the newly appointed Senate is now poised to embark on its legislative duties, even as the haze of contention lingers over its inception.

 

Picture courtesy: Manager Online

 

-- 2024-07-12

 

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[dinsdale]

Complete and utter sham. If anyone thinks this has been a democratic process they are complete and utter morons. This is what happens when you have corrupt, amateur and inept idiots running the show. 

[seajae]

its amazing how a bit of kick back to those running the show makes everything alright, the EC is a typical example, they will do what ever they are told as can be seen with their current and past decisions

[MikeandDow]

Is this Democracy !!!!!! 

[Srikcir]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

the newly appointed Senate is now poised to embark on its legislative duties

Shouldn't there be a Royal Proclamation appointing the new selected Senate members (bypassing the Thai electorate) prior to embarking on Senate duties just as it was with appointment of the new PM and Cabinet? 

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Meanwhile, the EC, collaborating with the Royal Thai Police, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), and the Anti-Money Laundering Office, is probing deep into a myriad of complaints related to the conduct of these elections.

And we have full trust in all these establishments

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, MikeandDow said:

Is this Democracy !!!!!! 

Thai style

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Complete and utter sham. If anyone thinks this has been a democratic process they are complete and utter morons. This is what happens when you have corrupt, amateur and inept idiots running the show. 

Something could be said for a docile population content to let it happen.

[Will B Good]

Let me see....

 

I've been allocated trough 15c

[spidermike007]

I wonder how many of those spectacularly corrupt, morally bankrupt army appointed crony senators are back in their seats? We do know that the army's behind this current administration, it's quite obvious that Thaksin sold out his party in order to return to Thailand, and who knows how much control the army has at this point?

 

One thing we do know for sure, is the selection process was not fair, the selection was highly corrupt, the EC is corrupt, and it's likely business as usual for the army, which is likely the most useless and greedy organization within the nation. 

[Zack61]

26 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

Let me see....

 

I've been allocated trough 15c

[Purdey]

It would be interesting to know if any former senators (from what period) have got in again. And who are linked to politicians and soldiers.

[MikeandDow]

1 hour ago, Purdey said:

It would be interesting to know if any former senators (from what period) have got in again. And who are linked to politicians and soldiers.

By the constitution They can not stand for re-election BUT this is Thailand and who cares about a Constitution