AFTER Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit offered a reward of up to 1 million baht to those reporting vote-buying attempts during the second-stage of the triple-tiered senatorial election tomorrow (June 16), the Election Commission has now allowed two citizens networks to monitor the process nationwide, Thai Rath newspaper said.
The polling agency sent an urgent letter to Bangkok and provincial election offices to allow representatives of Internet Dialogue on Law Reform (iLaw) and We Watch group to observe the voting.
This is to promote the participation of the people in this election process and ensure transparency, the agency said.
Thanathorn said yesterday he had found out that there had been attempts to buy the votes of fellow candidates with tens of thousands baht offered for each vote.
Those interested in the big reward were told to go and observe tomorrow’s election process as in doing so they would also be ensuring the process is transparent.
They were told to contact We Watch at 02-114-318 if they have anything to report.
The election of 200 senators is a triple-tiered process beginning with district level, then provincial level and finally national level.
The district-level election was held last Sunday June 9, the provincial level is scheduled to take place tomorrow June 16 and the national level June 26.
At each level, each of the senatorial candidates elect two persons from among all the eligible contestants so the 10 most elected candidates in each of the 20 categories will finally become senators. Each of the candidates may vote for themselves alongside the other.
The elected senators who will replace those appointed by a coup junta under leadership of former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will be no longer constitutionally empowered to cast votes alongside MPs for head of government.
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Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit. Top photo: Thai Rath, Front Page photo: Naewna
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