BANGKOK, 7 February 2014 The Election Commission has decided to represent all voters who couldn’t exercise their rights at polling stations afflicted by protesters’ blockades in the recent elections. It wishes to spare such members of the public the trouble of reporting their absence from the poll.
The EC commissioner Somchai Sisutthiyakon said the EC will report voters’ inability to attend the poll to the Department of Provincial Administration, on the voters’ behalf. Eligible voters who registered to vote in the January 26 early election, and the February 2 general election, at polling stations afflicted by blockades would not have to file the reports themselves.
As for the 28 constituencies with no candidates, the 16 constituencies with just one candidate each, and the scheduling of the by-election, these matters would be deliberated with the EC’s legal team to ensure complete legal soundness. Without such care the general election result could be annulled.
Mr. Somchai said supporters of the election will be invited in for a discussion next week, and a further discussion will then be held with opponents of the election.
