Bangkok: The Election Commission has requested a two-day period to investigate the incident in Chonburi District 1, emphasizing that any demand for a recount must be substantiated by legal evidence.
According to Thai News Agency, Acting Sub-Lieutenant Phasakon Siriphakayaporn and Mr. Krachit Charoeninth, Deputy Secretaries-General of the Election Commission (EC), addressed the media at the Election and Referendum Center. They clarified that while recounts can be requested, they must align with legal conditions, such as discrepancies between voter numbers and ballots cast, or evidence of unfair or dishonest practices during the election and vote-counting process. The EC holds the authority to order recounts or call for a new election if deemed necessary.
During the election process, voters and observers are encouraged to report any irregularities on the spot. Polling station officials are responsible for documenting such objections, which will be crucial for the EC's evaluation. The commission stressed that complaints must be supported by concrete reasons and facts.
The confusion surrounding Chonburi District 1 arose partly from the "ballot box consolidation" process, conducted after polling station results were announced. This procedural step is intended to secure and store ballot boxes until the expiration of the appeal period. The EC assured that these boxes were securely sealed, preventing any tampering.
Allegations of improperly secured ballot boxes and ballot tampering were attributed to misunderstandings. The EC explained that some misplaced ballots might have been inadvertently included during the consolidation process. Nevertheless, these incidents did not compromise the vote count, as final results (Form SS.5/18) are available for verification at polling stations.
The EC, tasked with reviewing evidence, facts, and reports from polling stations, has assigned Mr. Krachit to investigate the situation in Chonburi District 1. The Director of the Chonburi Election Commission must report findings within two days, enabling the Commission to decide on withholding results, ordering a recount, or conducting a new election as outlined in Section 124.
Acting Sub-Lieutenant Phasakon also addressed a similar issue in Maha Sarakham province, attributing vote count discrepancies to the aggregation process rather than polling station errors. The issue was resolved upon identifying missing data from one station. He reiterated that there was no vote manipulation. In Pathum Thani, an alteration in candidate numbers by the committee was clarified as not affecting the results.
The EC concluded by emphasizing that unofficial result reporting is part of a gradual process for efficiency. The complete, unamendable results will be officially announced (Form SS.6/1). The EC remains open to scrutiny at every stage to ensure fairness and maintain public trust.