Bangkok: The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) has provided a detailed explanation regarding the methods and procedures used for reporting election results, following observations of significant discrepancies in the data for both constituency and party-list elections.
According to Thai News Agency, the ECT addressed these discrepancies, noting that they are primarily due to the separate reporting of results for the two types of votes. This separation has led to inconsistencies, resulting in an unequal display of scores in the ECT Report 69 system.
The ECT outlined the process for reporting election results, stating that each polling station is required to prepare separate reports for constituency-based MPs and party-list MPs. These forms are then displayed at polling stations for public awareness. Any inaccuracies or discrepancies are recorded as evidence. The vote-counting reports are subsequently photographed and the data recorded, before being sent to the district vote counting center or district ECT via telephone.
Once the district election commission verifies the accuracy of the information, it is compiled for the announcement of unofficial results. These results are published in a Dashboard format through the ECT Report 69 system, providing the public with quick access to election outcomes. The official announcement of vote counts follows this process. Additionally, the vote count report forms are published on provincial election commission websites, linking them to the national website for transparency.
The ECT emphasized the need for voters to verify the accuracy of election results themselves, using the information available on the Election Commission's website. The commission also addressed media reports of significant discrepancies in the ECT Report 69 system, explaining that these arise from the system's design, which reports results separately for constituency and party-list votes. The process involves confirming results for each type until both are complete, with discrepancies occurring when a polling station reports results exceeding 95% of the vote count category, leading to their exclusion from the ECT Report 69 Dashboard.
The ECT reiterated that the reporting system is meant for unofficial purposes, aiming to facilitate rapid reporting of election results nationwide. It is not intended as a reference for public, candidates, or political parties. The commission assured that its operations are conducted with honesty, fairness, and in adherence to legal standards.