On Friday, the Election Commission (EC) and the Department of Special Investigations (DSI) issued summons to six out of 53 senators who are under investigation for alleged vote manipulation during last year’s Senate election.
The DSI officers served the summons at the suspects’ homes, located throughout Bangkok, following approval from the Election Commission, as stated by DSI Director-General Yutthana Praedam.
The six senators are Alongkot Vorakee, Chokchai Kittithanesuan, Jirasak Chookhwamdee, Pibulat Haruehanprakan, Wuttichart Kalyanamitra, and Phisut Rattanawong.
Law enforcement went to the residence of Senator Jirasak located in the Lak Si area; however, nobody was found at the premises. They left the notice attached to the entrance with observers witnessing this action.
An analogous effort was undertaken at Senator Wuttichart’s residence in the Chatuchak district, where the document was similarly placed at the entrance.
The legal department of a condo in Klong San, Bangkok, received the summons for Sen Alongkot since he was absent when the officials came.
When questioned regarding the summonsent to his condominium, Sen Alongkot refuted having received it, stating that his present dwelling differs from the address where he is officially registered.
He mentioned that he would contemplate replying if the summon was delivered by the Election Commission, however, not if it originated from the DSI, which he claimed has no jurisdiction over them.
Senator Chokchai mentioned that he hadn’t received any summonses since he was traveling out of town. He firmly rejected accusations of participating in vote-rigging activities and stated that although he would probably adhere to a call from the Election Commission, he might ask for an extension because of his work commitments.
Sen Phisut also mentioned that he hadn’t been issued a summons yet and would require reviewing the information once more.
There have been widespread speculations suggesting that the fraud accusations are aimed at ‘blue bloc’ senators, which alludes to a significant faction associated with the Bhumjaithai Party, the second-biggest party within the ruling coalition government.
The concluding Senate vote on June 26 yielded surprisingly skewed outcomes, particularly an unusually high number of victors hailing from regions where Bhumjaithai holds significant electoral sway.
In the meantime, an EC representative stated that Deputy Secretary-General Chanin Noilek has likewise sanctioned summons for 47 additional senators hailing from provinces outside of Bangkok. This decision follows findings indicating that their elections did not comply with the provisions set forth in the Organic Act on Senate Elections.
The Justice Minister, Tawee Sodsong, affirmed that the Election Commission (EC) collaborated with the Department of Special Investigations (DSI) to serve summons.
When asked about the timing of summoning suspects for interrogation, Police Colonel Tawee stated that it hinged upon the Election Commission (EC), as they possess the main case documents.
Participating within a subcommittee alongside the EC, the DSI will join the discussion as per the EC’s request for input from the agency. Much of the DSI’s focus thus far has been centered around the financial fraud elements of the investigation.
Numerous senators have strongly asserted that the DSI should not interfere with issues under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission. However, the electoral authority has disclosed that it has discovered extensive proof of fraudulent activities, indicating that they require assistance in handling the numerous individuals implicated as well as the intricate financial transactions involved.
In March, the Constitutional Court agreed to consider a petition submitted by 92 senators. The petition requests the court to determine if Police Colonel Tawee and Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai should be removed from office for allegedly meddling in the Senate elections. They reportedly asked the Department of Special Investigations (DSI) to participate in the probe, which is considered interference.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
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