The alleged collusion in the vote to appoint new Senators is under review by an Election Commission subcommittee before the EC’s main panel pass final judgment.
The EC recently addressed growing criticism over delays in investigating the case, stressing that all actions by itself and its secretary-general, Sawaeng Boonmee, are in line with the law.
The investigation is now in its third stage, it said, with the 36th subcommittee reviewing the case files and preparing recommendations. Once complete, the findings will be submitted to the EC for a final ruling.
The commission also outlined the process for dealing with the case: first, the EC’s provincial offices investigate and forward opinions to its central office; second, the central office reviews and analyses the case; third, the EC’s subcommittees examine the evidence and prepare conclusions; and fourth, the EC makes the final decision.
The clarification followed a complaint filed on Friday by reserve senator Akarawat Phongthanachalitkul, who lodged a criminal complaint against the EC and Mr Sawaeng, accusing them of dereliction of duty under Section 157 of the Criminal Code and Section 172 of the Organic Act on Counter Corruption.
Mr Akarawat argued the move was not political but an effort to defend democratic principles, stressing that as a stakeholder in the Senate election, he has the right to demand transparency.
He also expressed concern about recent appointments within the Ministry of Justice, warning they could undermine judicial independence.
“We have repeatedly asked the EC for answers but have never received a clear one. The public has yet to receive justice. There are several cases that have been left to drag on, even though many facts are already evident. This should not happen in a democratic system.”