PUBLISHED: 28 Apr 2024 at 18: 50
The Election Commission (EC ) issued a warning on Sunday that those found guilty of manipulating the senator election process could be permanently barred from politics.
In a Facebook post outlining the rules for the Senate election, EC secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee issued the notice.
Sen. Somchai Sawangkarn’s warning followed Sen. Sawangkarn’s plea to the EC to intervene in any attempt to obstruct the approaching selection of new senators.
Thanatorn Juangroongruangkit, the former leader of the now-defunct Future Forward Party ( FFP), called on his supporters to register as candidates after Mr. Somchai’s urging came after his chairman, the chairman of the Progressive Movement, called him.
The Progressive Movement has created a website called” senate67.com,” which would allow potential candidates to introduce themselves to the general public. The party cited “unclear rules of the EC,” and access to the website has been a problem.
The group’s force, according to Mr. Somchai, might be an attempt to obstruct the junta-appointed senators ‘ election, which are scheduled for May 10th.
The EC director- common said a lawmaker, who would be selected from 20 expert groups, had been socially natural, and the selection process will be different from the vote for the House of Representatives.
He claimed that only applicants who have registered as candidates is cast ballots in the Senate election.
Individuals are only permitted to introduce themselves and are not permitted to launch political activities, according to Mr. Sawaeng.
Additionally, Mr. Sawaeng cautioned against penalties for breaking the law, such as asking for favors in exchange for votes. Even outlawed are adjustment of elections, ballot purchase, hiring people to register as candidates, and registering as member with forged documents.
Additionally, Mr. Sawaeng cautioned against encouraging candidates to register with their organizations or organizations because doing so could lead to illegal exchanges. ” People must register as senate candidates by their own will so they can remain independent”, he added.