Bangkok: "Itthiphon" confirms that the Election Commission is expediting the investigation into the corruption case in the election of the Senators. Ittiporn Boonprakong, Chairman of the Election Commission, presided over a meeting to explain the digital action plan implementation for the next five years, livestreamed on the EC's page. He stated that the EC must adapt to the digital age to answer public queries systematically and efficiently. The EC is currently handling over 500 petitions filed by senators, with 200 petitions related to Section 77 (1). Of these, approximately 100 cases have been resolved, while 150 remain under investigation.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Ittiporn highlighted the importance of the digital system in tracking the progress of cases. He mentioned that this system allows people to follow the status of their complaints, similar to systems used by the Office of the Ombudsman and external parties like the NACC and the courts. He clarified that the EC is not transferring cases to the DSI and is actively working on the petitions. The latest investigation revealed that 122 cases had passed the investigation committee, indicating significant progress.
The EC chairman emphasized the need for transparency and justice in handling petitions. The process involves multiple levels-district, provincial, and national-and requires time to ensure fairness to all parties involved. Mr. Ittiporn noted that a digital platform showing the progress of petitions could enhance transparency and public trust. He outlined the process, which involves a series of steps taking up to a year, with extensions allowed for valid reasons.
Furthermore, he invited citizens to use the system to check the status of petitions, including those for MPs in 2023. He believes that incorporating digital tools will significantly benefit the commission's work, providing a clear picture of the progress and challenges in handling electoral petitions.