Election Commission Defends Senate Graft Case Decision
The Election Commission defended its handling of a Senate election fraud case, saying its decision will be based on evidence and legal procedure rather than public opinion, with a ruling expected by August.
On July 25, 2569, Election Commission Secretary Sawaeng Boonmee briefed the media on the commission's progress in reviewing the Senate election fraud case and whether it will proceed to file charges in court. The commission has previously stated it expects to complete its work by next month or August, with approximately four more meetings planned.
Sawaeng noted that while the Senate fraud case dominates daily news, public activities and opinions do not alter the established facts or the commission's statutory examination process. The law requires the commission to vote on whether wrongdoing occurred before forwarding the case to court as a preliminary opinion.
"We listen to all external viewpoints and opinions, but they do not affect the facts or the legal procedures we follow," Sawaeng said. He explained that when determining guilt, the law must first define what constitutes a wrongdoing, then the commission reviews evidence and witnesses. Regarding the Democratic Party's planned press conference tomorrow to reveal additional evidence in the case, Sawaeng said the commission will examine whether that information is already in the official record.
When asked if a decision not to prosecute would contradict public sentiment, Sawaeng stressed that the final decision rests on evidence and findings stated in the ruling, which are fully documented. "We do not decide based on feelings or anyone's preferences, but on the facts we have gathered," he said.
Asked whether the commission is prepared to face social backlash, Sawaeng replied, "This happens every day." Regarding complaints filed by accused candidates against those who disclosed information, Sawaeng noted this is their right and unrelated to the commission's case. He also said the commission already has all relevant clips from Senate candidate screenings, as the law requires the Election Commission to record every step of the voting process at all levels. "We must operate under the law, not according to anyone's wishes. Freedom of expression is protected as long as it does not infringe on others' rights," he concluded.
