Bangkok: The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) has announced it will take two days to verify the facts surrounding the election results in Chonburi District 1. This decision comes amid concerns about the integrity of the ballot box consolidation process in the district. The ECT emphasized that the vote counts posted at polling stations are final and cannot be altered.
According to Thai News Agency, the ECT's central investigation team is tasked with evaluating whether a recount is necessary. The Provincial ECTs must wait for the central team's findings before taking any action. The Deputy Secretaries-General of the Election Commission, Acting Sub-Lieutenant Phasakon Siriphakayaporn and Mr. Krachit Charoeninth, addressed these issues during a press conference, clarifying the conditions under which a recount could be ordered.
Acting Sub-Lieutenant Phasakon detailed two main scenarios for a recount: mismatches between the number of voters and ballots cast, or procedural errors during the election or vote counting. He assured that any objections raised by citizens about the election process would be recorded and reviewed by the ECT.
The situation in Chonburi arose from public concerns over the ballot box consolidation process. After vote counting, consolidated ballots are stored securely, but misunderstandings occurred when ballot boxes appeared unsecured due to cut straps. However, the ECT insists these boxes were sealed with tape, preventing unauthorized access.
Further complicating the matter, reports surfaced about possible alterations to Form 5/18 tally sheets during ballot consolidation. The ECT clarified that any such forms would have been securely stored with the ballots, and the official results remain unchanged. The ECT is reviewing these concerns as part of its investigation.
Mr. Krachit Charoeninth leads the investigation team, which is examining whether any irregularities occurred that might prompt a recount or new vote. The team aims to complete its investigation within two days, while the Chonburi ballot boxes remain under police guard.
The ECT also addressed similar electoral discrepancies in other provinces, including Maha Sarakham and Pathum Thani, ensuring that no unauthorized recounts occur and that discrepancies are corrected through official channels.
The ECT emphasized the importance of following legal procedures for raising election process objections. The commission reassured the public of its commitment to fairness and legality in addressing all electoral concerns.