Regional News
Thailand’s Election Commission Orders New Elections at Six Polling Stations
BANGKOK – Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) orders new elections at six polling stations and vote recounts at two others after finding irregularities and incorrect vote counting in the March 24 election.
The EC issued a statement on Thursday ordering recounts at two polling stations in Khon Kaen province will be done by local officials. And it also orders new elections at six polling stations in five provinces — Yasothon, Lampang, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok and Bangkok — tentatively scheduled for April 15.
Sawaeng Boonmee, deputy secretary-general of the EC, said the main reason for the decision was the number of voters did not match the total ballots.
Early results released by the EC so far show no single party an absolute majority.
Although politicians called on the EC to announce official results, the EC has insisted it will announce the official election results by May 9.
Sawaeng Boonmee, deputy secretary-general of the EC, said the recounts could be done at once, and dates for fresh balloting at those units would be set after the Songkran holiday.
The Commission maintains that it has to address problems and handle complaints against candidates.
The decision is the EC’s first action following the country’s first election since the 2014 military coup. It came as the EC has been under mounting pressure to clarify election results and allegations over mismanagement.
Although politicians called on the EC to announce official results, the EC has insisted it will announce the official election results by May 9.
The Commission maintains that it has to address problems and handle complaints against candidates.
The decision is the EC’s first action following the country’s first election since the 2014 military coup. It came as the EC has been under mounting pressure to clarify election results and allegations over mismanagement.
By Thai News Agency
