Election Probe Shelved: EC Rejects Senate Vote-Fixing Inquiry

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS

 

The Election Commission (EC) in Thailand has declined to join a crucial meeting concerning a potential investigation into alleged vote-fixing during last year's Senate election. Instead of attending, they dispatched a formal letter insisting that they possess exclusive authority over such matters, as per the organic law on the EC.

 

This decision aligns with the EC's position, affirmed internally on March 4, that it alone is responsible for any investigations related to electoral irregularities, leveraging Section 49 of the law to assert their jurisdiction over the proceedings.

 

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, chairing the Department of Special Investigation's (DSI) board, had initially postponed a verdict on this matter from February 25 to today's meeting, seeking further clarity. Now, the EC's absence throws the board's plans into disarray.

 

When approached for comment, Phumtham remained tight-lipped, noting, "I have not yet seen the EC’s written response," hinting at potential friction between governmental departments.

 

The vote-fixing allegations emerged from a cluster of unsuccessful candidates, including those on a reserve list, who claim the EC has been sluggish in addressing the accusations. These charges are centered around senators affiliated with the Bhumjaithai Party, a significant player in the governing coalition.

Further fuelling the controversy, Senator Chattrawat Saengphet retracted comments he made earlier in the week, initially cautioning against DSI's probe. He suggested that any move perceived as encroaching on the EC's domain might breach democratic practices. In subsequent clarifications, he maintained that his comments were hypothetical and not accusatory.

 

Amidst this political theatre, red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan hinted that rejecting government motions for the DSI investigation might illustrate diminished influence over the administration. In stark contrast, the government seems eager to proceed, stoking tensions further.

 

With political factions closely eyeing the unfolding drama, the EC's refusal to engage today leaves the Senate election probe hanging in uncertainty. The meeting's outcome will likely dictate the next steps in what is brewing into a contentious political saga.

 

As authorities bicker over investigative rights, the public watches on, grappling with the broader implications of governance, justice, and political integrity in Thailand. With no clear resolution in sight, today's developments add yet another layer to the country's complex political landscape, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-06

 

 

[JoePai]

555 well fancy that   🤬

[proton]

Surely offering voters 10k is trying to fix the result?

[dinsdale]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

The Election Commission (EC) in Thailand has declined to join a crucial meeting concerning a potential investigation into alleged vote-fixing during last year's Senate election. Instead of attending, they dispatched a formal letter insisting that they possess exclusive authority over such matters, as per the organic law on the EC.

 

This decision aligns with the EC's position, affirmed internally on March 4, that it alone is responsible for any investigations related to electoral irregularities, leveraging Section 49 of the law to assert their jurisdiction over the proceedings.

Yep. And there you go. We and we alone decide on what is or isn't corruption in elections and no correspondence will be entered into. Evidence bringing the status quo into question will be instantly dismissed as being of no consequence because WE SAY SO.

[Purdey]

Surely this is a criminal case and the DSI has the right to investigate if it has received complaints?

[Artisi]

What a surprise that they sided with the corruption

[bradiston]

Time to go after the EC then.