Investigation into suspected electoral fraud urged to be accelerated by EC
The Election Commission (EC) in Thailand is currently under scrutiny from a group of reserve senators, who have accused the commission of delaying an investigation into alleged vote-rigging in the 2024 Senate election.
The group, led by Akarawat Phongthanachalitkul, visited the EC's headquarters to ask for an explanation. Akarawat expressed concern over the commission's slow response, stating that it is causing damage to the nation. He also questioned why the EC is intentionally delaying the case, given that there is clear evidence of election fraud.
The EC's chairman, Itthiporn Boonpracong, has stated that the preliminary probe was allotted up to 60 days, followed by a 90-day review by a sub-committee, with the main committee expected to reach a final decision within 90 days of receiving the sub-committee's findings. However, the group of reserve senators is demanding a faster resolution, citing the potential implications for the implicated senators.
Two of the 21 senators have revealed that their signatures were forged on a petition, adding to the allegations of election fraud. Activist Srisuwan Janya submitted a petition to the National Anti-Corruption Commission against nine senators on July 19, following these revelations. The nine senators are accused of pressuring 21 others into signing a petition seeking a Constitutional Court order to disqualify the 136 senators under suspicion.
The EC has stated that the eight-month maximum investigation period does not guarantee the case will take that long without a valid reason. They also emphasised that legal proceedings are conducted strictly in accordance with regulations, free from any external pressure. However, the group of reserve senators is questioning the commission's loyalty, suggesting that they could be considered complicit with the accused senators in violating Section 113 of the constitution.
The search results do not contain direct information about the European Commission’s (EC) investigation into the alleged vote-rigging in the 2024 Senate election, including reasons for any delays or the implications for implicated senators. If more precise or updated details about this specific investigation and its consequences are required, further targeted information from official EC statements or credible news sources would be necessary.
In response to the accusations, the EC has stated that cases can be completed faster than the prescribed timeframe, if necessary. Akarawat Phongthanachalitkul, however, has questioned why a group of senators calling themselves "independent" have not pushed for the removal of the 136 senators under investigation. He also criticised the EC for not taking action against the accused senators who are calling themselves "independent".
The EC's investigation into the Senate election has become a significant issue in Thai politics, with the reserve senators demanding transparency and swift action to address the allegations of election fraud. The outcome of the investigation is expected to have significant implications for the implicated senators, including reputational damage, potential legal or electoral sanctions, and possible weakening of their political influence.
- The group of reserve senators, led by Akarawat Phongthanachalitkul, have questioned the loyalty of the Election Commission (EC) and suggested they could be complicit with the accused senators, given their slow response to the alleged vote-rigging in the 2024 Senate election and their supposed inaction against those under investigation, which is a matter of policy-and-legislation and general news.
- The issue of election fraud in the 2024 Senate election has dominated crime-and-justice and politics discourse in Thailand, with the group of reserve senators pushing for transparency and swift action from the Election Commission (EC), who have come under scrutiny for their handling of the case. The consequences for the implicated senators, including potential legal or electoral sanctions, are significant aspects of this ongoing controversy.
