Special Cases Board Seeks Clarification from Election Commission on Collusion Allegations
PUBLISHED: 25 Feb 2025 at 20:56
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is requesting additional information from the Election Commission regarding allegations of collusion and bloc voting in the previous Senate election, according to senior officials. This decision was made during a board meeting led by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who chairs the special cases board.
The board instructed a subcommittee to gather further details within a week, with the Election Commission set to provide information on March 5. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for March 6 to determine if the case will proceed to investigation.
These complaints, made by unsuccessful candidates including those from reserve lists, have prompted claims that the Election Commission has been slow to react to supposed voting irregularities.
The allegations specifically target a group of senators referred to as the “blue bloc,” who are believed to support the Bhumjaithai Party, a member of the ruling coalition. Most blue bloc senators elected last July hail from provinces where Bhumjaithai is traditionally strong, with a notable concentration from the Buri Ram region.
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham indicated that the board’s decision to review the case stems from sufficient evidence warranting further scrutiny. Additionally, the Election Commission has requested that the DSI treat the matter as a special investigation, which will be taken into consideration.
This potential shift towards a DSI investigation has sparked dissent among certain senators, who assert that the matter should be solely within the jurisdiction of the Election Commission. Conversely, others view this investigation as a chance for transparency and for the implicated senators to vindicate themselves.
The debate surrounding this issue coincides with reports of growing tensions between the ruling Pheu Thai Party and the Bhumjaithai Party, leading to discussions between the leaders of both parties to address these rifts.
Concerns have been raised about the nature of the allegations, with one colonel suggesting that certain claims relate to offenses under the Criminal Code, which could fall under the DSI’s scope of authority.
The ongoing situation highlights the complexities surrounding election law enforcement in the country, further intensified by conflicting perspectives within the ruling coalition. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has publicly denied any significant rifts, emphasizing that unity remains a top priority despite differences in opinion among coalition parties.
The selection process for the 200-member Senate, which involved extensive voting rounds across various professional groups, has faced scrutiny amid claims of manipulative practices, leading to calls for more robust investigations into electoral integrity.
