Bangkok: "Nanthana" has voiced strong criticism against the Election Commission for filing lawsuits intended to silence public scrutiny and demands an end to such obstructive practices. Meanwhile, "Lawyer Aun" has pledged to represent the public in all cases where the Election Commission sues citizens over election-related issues. He is preparing to submit a petition to the Ombudsman, accompanied by details of alleged election fraud, and request a temporary injunction to prevent MPs from performing their duties on March 4th.
According to Thai News Agency, Senator Nantana Nantavaropas expressed her disagreement with the Election Commission's (EC) use of SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) tactics against the public. She highlighted numerous flaws and errors in the EC's election management, despite their experience in conducting elections. Issues such as unclear vote counting, discrepancies between reported results and those at polling stations, delayed results announcements, rapid certification of MPs, and problematic QR codes and barcodes on ballots were all cited as evidence of inefficiency. Ms. Nanthana questioned whether any markings on ballots compromise election secrecy.
Ms. Nanthana further criticized the Election Commission for prosecuting citizens instead of clarifying the situation to alleviate public doubts. She detailed how the Commission began by suing Chonburi residents for trespassing and obstructing officials, followed by charges against six more individuals on five serious counts, including obstructing the Election Commission's duties and incitement under the Criminal Code. These charges carry significant penalties, leading her to question whether the Commission aims to silence the public merely for seeking scrutiny of its actions and constitutional compliance.
The Senator argued that the Election Commission's actions represent an abuse of power and disregard for norms of democratic governance, which require scrutiny of state organizations. She emphasized that, as a body funded by public tax money, the Commission must be transparent, especially during general elections that form the government. Ms. Nanthana urged the Election Commission to submit to public scrutiny to dispel any doubts about the election's transparency and integrity.
Ms. Nanthana also mentioned the planned mock election by former Election Commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn as a measure the EC should support to verify the confidentiality of ballot barcodes. However, she noted that the EC is attempting to block it, claiming legal violations. She argued that if all non-EC organized elections are illegal, then so would be school elections, suggesting the Commission should instead support transparency and legitimacy.
Lawyer Patarapong Supaaksorn, in a press release, stated that those scrutinizing the February 8th election process are not criminals but concerned citizens. He argued that the election lacked dignity, honesty, and fairness, and criticized the Election Commission's use of lawsuits as a means to silence public voices. Patarapong committed to representing citizens in legal cases against the Election Commission and emphasized the need for courage over fear in moving society forward.
Mr. Phatarapong also revealed his plans to file a petition with the Ombudsman regarding the election's alleged illegal conduct. He intends to draft a detailed report on the election process for submission to the Constitutional Court, seeking a temporary injunction to prevent MPs from performing their duties. He plans to submit these petitions to the Ombudsman on March 4th.
In his interview, Mr. Phatarapong expressed his disapproval of the current situation, describing the election process as "rotten" and improper. He criticized those who celebrate the election results despite the undignified process and called for addressing the flawed system rather than dismantling it after certification.