Bangkok: The Election Commission has announced its decision to refer 77 individuals to the Supreme Court in connection with the Senate collusion case. This decision follows an extensive investigation involving 427 individuals, focusing on allegations of collusion during the Senate election. The Commission resolved to forward cases involving 26 Senators, 36 eligible voters, and 15 others to the Supreme Court, while also explaining their reasons for dismissing two initial charges due to unreliable witnesses.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Narong Klanwarin, Chairman of the Election Commission (EC), along with Acting Sub-Lieutenant Phaskorn Siriphakayaporn, Deputy Secretary-General of the EC, clarified the outcome of the EC's deliberations on the Senate election collusion allegations. Mr. Narong emphasized that EC members operated independently within a legal framework, and that the Senate election case adhered to established investigative procedures. The investigation process included thorough reviews of complaints, objections, witness testimonies, and various forms of evidence such as forensic data, financial transactions, communications, and circumstantial evidence. Mr. Narong assured that decisions were made without societal or group pressure, though he could not disclose specific individual outcomes but mentioned majority and minority opinions on the allegations.
The Election Commission is considering seven charges under the Organic Act on the Acquisition of Senate Membership. Mr. Narong and Mr. Phaskorn jointly issued a statement to elucidate the matter.
Regarding the first allegation, 20 members of a political party's executive committee, political office holders, Members of Parliament, and one individual outside the party were accused. The Election Commission decided not to forward this case to the Supreme Court.
The second allegation involved 137 current senators, one reserve senator, and two eligible voters, totaling 140 individuals. The Election Commission opted not to forward these cases to the Supreme Court as well.
For the third allegation, concerning 137 senators, the EC chose to indict 26, including one reserve senator. Additionally, among 20 involved party executives, MPs, and other political office holders, none were indicted. The EC indicted one of the two eligible voters and nine out of 15 other individuals involved.
In relation to allegations 4-7, the Election Commission resolved to indict 26 senators, 36 eligible voters, and 15 other individuals, resulting in a total of 77 people being sent to the Supreme Court for further legal proceedings.
Source: Thai News Agency