Election commission skips key meeting on Senate vote-fixing probe
The Election Commission (EC) refused to attend a key Department of Special Investigation (DSI) board meeting today, where officials were set to decide on launching an investigation into alleged collusion in last year’s Senate election.
Instead, the EC opted to send a formal letter asserting its sole authority over the matter. The decision was made during an internal meeting on Tuesday, March 4, reinforcing the commission’s stance that it holds exclusive investigative powers under Section 49 of the organic law on the EC.
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who chairs the DSI’s special cases board, had initially planned to reach a decision on February 25 but postponed it for further review.
When asked about the EC’s decision to abstain from the meeting, Phumtham declined to comment, stating he had yet to see their written response.
“I have not yet seen the EC’s written response to the board’s letter,” said Phumtham when questioned about the EC’s claim of authority under Section 49 of the organic law on the Election Commission to conduct the investigation.
The allegations of vote-fixing were raised by a group of unsuccessful candidates, including some on the reserve list, who accused the EC of dragging its feet on the issue. The accusations reportedly target blue bloc senators, known for their allegiance to the Bhumjaithai Party, a key member of the government coalition.
Adding to the controversy, Senator Chattrawat Saengphet backtracked on comments he made in Parliament on Tuesday. He had warned that if the DSI board proceeded with the probe, it could face legal consequences for overstepping its authority.
“This could be seen as undermining democratic principles.”
However, the senator later clarified that his remarks were purely hypothetical and did not accuse anyone of wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan suggested that if the board rejects the government’s push for the DSI to investigate, it could signal waning influence within the administration.
As tensions mount, today’s meeting is expected to shape the next phase of the Senate election probe, with political factions closely watching the outcome, reported Bangkok Post.
Latest Thailand News
