PUBLISHED: 19 Dec 2024 at 06: 10
The Election Commission (EC ) has downplayed concerns about political interference by powerful political families in the upcoming Provincial Administrative Organization ( PAO ) chairman and council elections.
EC chairmanIttiporn Boonpracongsought to allay fears as candidacy registration begins on Thursday and runs nationwide until next Monday.
Four to five days before PAO votes, the commission normally sends investigators to regions. In order to keep things calm and buy during the elections, authorities will also build rapid-response units. The size of these models will depend on the provincial safety assessment. If needed, officers from local police stations will meet the patrols.
Prior to and during an earlier by-election in Chumphon state, police were given surveillance duties and were dispatched with reinforcements from neighboring provinces.
The status of purchase is determined by the circumstances in each county. The EC and local police work closely together to make sure a soft electoral process, according to Mr. Ittiporn.
He emphasised that preventing and addressing election scam is generally the EC’s duty, carried out through its established methods. When asked about further measures in regions where powerful people are involved in social issues, Mr. Ittiporn assured the people that the EC is prepared to deal with these issues. He continued,” Local election authorities work effectively with relevant companies to run good and trouble-free votes.”
” This is always a concern for the EC”, he said.
The EC chair praised the commission’s effective collaboration with local authorities and provincial governors in preserving order.
New crime involving prominent families occurred in Prachin Buri, where Chaimet Sitsanitpong, a provincial government representative, was shot dead following an explanation with Soonthorn Vilawan, his adoptive parents and PAO president, who had earlier announced his retirement.
In connection with the firing, Mr. Soonthorn, a part of the Bhumjaithai Party and the son of former deputy minister of education, was taken into custody for questioning. He is among six defendants.
Studies suggest the crime may have stemmed from a political issue, as Chaimet supported his family, Napaphat Anchasanichamon, to work for Prachin Buri PAO key under the Pheu Thai Party symbol.
Following her father’s passing, Ms. Napaphat immediately withdrew from the race, but she afterwards made the decision to run for president under the Pheu Thai Party.