Election Commission (EC) Secretary General Sawaeng Boonmee is expected to announce the results of the first round in the selection process of new senators this Sunday at about 5pm at the EC’s Office in Bangkok.
EC Chairman Itthiporn Boonpracong checked the readiness of election officials and voting units at the conference hall of the Provincial Administrative Organisation in Sing Buri province today.
A surveillance camera system has been installed at all voting units to ensure transparency.
Itthiporn said he has instructed election officials not to rush to complete the count, but to be cautious to ensure everything proceeds according to the letter of the law, adding he expected voting in Sing Buri to be concluded at about 2pm ahead, of the 5pm deadline.
Chuchart Poomnoi, chief officer of Bang Kapi district, said that election officials need not wait until 5pm to count the votes.
With 99, Bang Kapi district has the highest number of candidates of all the 50 districts in Bangkok. Between them, they represent all 20 professional/background groups, he said.
Candidates are required to show up at the polling unit before 9am. They are not allowed to carry any communications equipment, including cell phones, and can only talk with candidates in their own professional/background group.
Supporters are not allowed to cheer, to display posters or any form of public address equipment at the polling units.
Chuchart said he expects the voting to be completed in an hour.
Candidates within the same profession/background group must vote among themselves during the first round at the district level.
Nationally, 48,117 candidates have registered their candidacy, 1,402 of whom were unqualified because they were found to be political party members.
Former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn warned today that the results are at risk of being invalidated by the Constitutional Court.
