Two MPs-elect who had been handed yellow cards by the Election Commission for vote-buying offences in the July 3 national poll retained their seats in a re-election yesterday, while a third victory was confirmed following a recount.
The two yellow-carded politicians were Pheu Thai’s Somkid Banthaisong of Nong Khai Constituency 2 and the Bhumjaithai Party’s Chakkrawan Chaiwiratnukul of Sukhothai’s Constituency 3. Meanwhile, Democrat Abdulkarim Dengrakina was the recipient of an even bigger victory following the recount in his Yala Constituency 2.
Mr Somkid, who was yellow-carded for buying votes in the general election, defeated his Chart Pattana Puea Pandin Party rival candidate Pitak Sitabutr again. The Nong Khai Election Commission Office announced unofficial results that Mr Somkid received 46,403 votes, while Mr Pitak won 10,726. In the previous poll, Mr Somkid won 45,927 votes.
Nong Khai election director Sitthinai Worakittipat said yesterday that tropical storm Nock-ten, which brought heavy rain and strong winds to the province, was probably responsible for those voters who did not turn out for the re-election in Constituency 2.
Mr Sitthinai said some parts of Constituency 2 were inundated and many voters had to stay home. He said there were also a number of voters who worked in other provinces but did not return for the re-election.
In all, 59,619 of the constituency’s 121,513 voters turned out. Mr Sitthinai said this was lower than the anticipated turnout of 60%.
Full Article: Bangkok Post : Two re-elections, one recount, same results.