Chonburi: Viroj, the deputy secretary-general of the Election Commission, has agreed to the conditions set by the Election Commission and is awaiting the investigation results expected in two days concerning the possibility of a vote recount in Chonburi's Constituency 1. He has urged public representatives to guard the ballot boxes, expressing concerns about potential tampering. The Election Commission is taking measures to secure the ballot boxes, including installing protective fencing and arranging for 24-hour police surveillance. A public meeting is scheduled in two days to address the issue, with many insisting that a recount is essential.
According to Thai News Agency, following a press briefing by the Election Commission (EC) that announced a two-day period for investigation before deciding on a recount, the public began searching for Police Lieutenant Colonel Chanin, the Deputy Secretary-General of the EC, to obtain further clarification, as he was the sole person with firsthand knowledge of the evidence from the previous night.
Members of the public and media were shown ballot boxes lacking secure straps, prompting questions about the necessity of a two-day wait given the apparent evidence of inadequate storage, which did not meet the Election Commission's regulations.
Mr. Viroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a leader of the People's Party, along with parliamentary candidates Ms. Benja Saengchan and Mr. Worat Sirirak, attempted to meet Police Lieutenant Colonel Chanin at a local badminton court to discuss discrepancies between the People's Party's data and that of the Election Commission. However, they faced initial resistance from officials, necessitating negotiations for a meeting.
Viroj expressed frustration, questioning the rationale behind the two-day delay, which he perceived as a stalling tactic. Discrepancies between the Election Commission's statements and the evidence presented by the public and media have raised concerns about the thoroughness of the initial evidence gathering by the EC, suggesting a possible management oversight.
The two-day postponement without clear communication about the vote count process has been criticized, with some asserting it may constitute a dereliction of duty, potentially violating legal statutes. Mr. Viroj emphasized his intent to seek a logical explanation from Mr. Chanin, warning of potential legal actions against the Election Commission should satisfactory answers not be provided.
In light of the discussions, security measures will be enhanced around the ballot area to prevent tampering, with the central Election Commission conducting a comprehensive investigation, including interviews with witnesses and officials. Legal action may follow against the Election Commission at the Chonburi City Police Station, holding them accountable for any irregularities.
The situation has sparked a nationwide call for vote recounts, gaining significant attention. Mr. Viroj noted the importance of addressing problematic areas within the framework of the Election Act. In response to comments from Mr. Suchart Chomklin, a prospective MP from the Bhumjaithai Party, regarding the political motivations behind public gatherings, Viroj dismissed his relevance to the situation.
Community leaders have communicated with local residents at the badminton court, urging patience until the next meeting. They have also organized shifts for monitoring the ballot boxes, supported by continuous official surveillance to ensure their security.