Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) issued its first ‘yellow card’ to the Pheu Thai Party winning candidate in Nong Khai Constituency 2 while a new election for this constituency will be held on July 31.
Election Commissioner Sodsri Satayathum said the agency commissioners late Thursday agreed unanimously to hold a new election for Constituency 2 in the northeastern province of Nong Khai after suspending endorsement for Somkid Banthaising, winning candidate of the Pheu Thai Party, for alleged election fraud. Mr Somkid allegedly paid pedal taxi drivers to carry people to the election campaign rally and allegedly gave money to prospective voters. Eight witnesses gave statements that reported the same observation, she said.
A yellow card means a candidate is suspected of election fraud, but is permitted to try to gain office through another election. A red card means that the candidate is not permitted to run again.
Ms Sodsri said regarding its considering the qualifications of Red Shirt MP candidates that a sub-committee was set up to review the law and to determine the facts on that before forwarding the report to the EC on July 19.
Meanwhile, she said the case of Yingluck Shinawatra, number one party list candidate of the Pheu Thai party, whose endorsement has been withheld, will be considered in accordance with the law.
Full Article: Election Commission gives first ‘Yellow Card’ to Pheu Thai party winner in Nong Khai.