The Senate on Monday debated a report proposing changes to election laws and the constitution, including reforms to the Election Commission (EC).
The report, prepared by the Senate committee on political development, public participation, human rights, freedoms and consumer protection, proposes amendments to the constitution, the organic law on the EC and the organic law on the election of MPs.
Among the proposals are using the same party number for constituency and party-list candidates, setting a minimum threshold for party-list votes, allowing citizens to vote in their place of residence without changing their household registration, and giving parliament a role in selecting EC members.
The report also proposes allowing 50,000 citizens to petition parliament to remove EC members.
Other proposed changes include lowering the minimum age for EC candidates to 35 and requiring the EC to publish summaries of its rulings within seven days. The proposals would also require the EC to complete checks on candidates’ qualifications within three days.
Most senators who spoke supported the report and called for structural changes to strengthen the EC’s independence and protect it from political influence.
Senator Nantana Nantawaropas backed separating the EC’s election administration and investigative powers, arguing that the EC should focus on organising elections while investigations should be handled by the courts.
She also supported allowing citizens to initiate the removal of EC members and parliament to vote on their removal.
Senator Pornchai Witthayalerphan said the EC currently acts as election organiser, investigator, adjudicator and authority to order recounts or new elections, creating potential conflicts of roles.
He cited the EC’s investigation into alleged collusion in the Senate election, which resulted in 77 cases being referred to court, as a reason to reconsider the EC’s structure.
However, some senators from the majority “blue group” opposed transferring the EC’s investigative powers.
Senator Phisit Apiwatthanaphong said agencies such as the Department of Special Investigation, which operates under a minister, should not be allowed to intervene in EC investigations, arguing this could undermine fairness.
Senator Kob Atchanakitti questioned the proposal to give citizens the power to remove EC members, warning that it could deepen divisions.
He defended the existing constitutional framework and said any amendments to the EC and election laws should begin in the House of Representatives.