Election Commissioners Face Removal Over Senatorial Election Fiasco

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In a dramatic turn of events, all seven election commissioners could soon be ousted by the Constitutional Court for their alleged mishandling of the senatorial elections held a few months ago.

 

The commissioners are accused of failing to ensure a transparent and fair election process, particularly casting a shadow over the contested election in Songkhla.

 

If the Supreme Court, expected to deliver a ruling shortly, deems the Songkhla election null and void, this could have sweeping consequences. The entire election for the 200 Senate seats nationwide may also be declared invalid. This scenario would necessitate re-elections across all districts and provinces, an informed source disclosed today.

The controversial election featured a unique three-tier vote system conducted among contestants rather than through direct constituent voting. Allegations have surfaced that this system was rife with electoral rigging, allegedly manipulated by undisclosed elements tied to Bhumjaithai, the country’s second-largest coalition partner.

 

Many of the senators elected, including Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja, are suspected to have operated under the influence of the Bhumjaithai Party. The party, which is significantly influenced by its de facto leader, Newin Chidchob, allegedly played a covert role in affecting the election’s outcome.

 

The potential removal of all seven election commissioners and the possible call for nation-wide re-elections mark an unprecedented chapter in the nation’s democratic processes.

 

The unfolding drama has put the integrity of the electoral system under the microscope, raising critical questions about the transparency and fairness of future elections, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

This situation continues to evolve, with the Thailand Supreme Court’s ruling expected to be the next significant development.

 

TOP Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

-- 2024-09-23