Bangkok: "Thepthai" has criticized the Election Commission for hastily certifying 95% of MPs, warning that this decision risks election invalidation and could encourage vote buying. Former Nakhon Si Thammarat MP Thepthai Senpong voiced his concerns on his Facebook page, "Thepthai - Political Talk."
According to Thai News Agency, the Election Commission plans to certify at least 95% of constituency and party-list MPs by February 25, 2026. Meanwhile, the Secretariat of the House of Representatives is preparing for MP registration on February 26 and 27, 2026. This coordinated development has raised alarms.
Thepthai questions the Election Commission's urgency in certifying the election results, especially when vote recounts are necessary in some provinces and districts. The Election Commission recently announced recounts in five provinces, with unresolved ballot discrepancies. Concerns also surround the printing of QR codes or barcodes on the ballots.
Various organizations have been scrutinizing the Election Commission's conduct, questioning the election's fairness and honesty. Petitions have been filed with the Ombudsman, and cases forwarded to the Constitutional Court to determine if the election violates Article 85 of the Constitution. If deemed void, a new election will be required.
Thepthai argues that rushing to certify 95% of MPs is problematic. Should the Constitutional Court invalidate the election, the Election Commission might be held accountable for any premature actions or expenses. The Commission should wait for rulings from the Ombudsman and Constitutional Court before certifying MPs, avoiding unnecessary haste.
Thepthai warns the Election Commission against repeating past mistakes, referencing the 2023 election where MPs were indiscriminately certified, leading to unaddressed vote-buying issues. This emboldened vote buyers, potentially increasing vote buying and perpetuating a vicious cycle in Thai politics.