By Thai Newsroom Reporters
AS MANY AS 138 senators would probably be suspected of alleged involvement in rigging, bloc-voting shenanigans during last year’s senatorial elections, a partisan source said today (Feb.18).
Of a total of 200 senators, no less than 138 would probably be accused of getting involved in electoral fraud which landed them victories in the unprecedented, complicated elections held at district, provincial and national levels throughout the country, according to the partisan source who only spoke on condition of anonymity.
The Department of Special Investigation will likely launch investigation into the rigging and bloc-voting scandals over the senatorial races in regard to money-laundering which would probably involve most of those suspected senators.
The DSI, a government agency under command of Justice Minister Thavi Sodsong, known to be quietly responsive to de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, has been currently taking steps with the likelihood of conducting the in-depth investigation into those scandals against those senators following a petition earlier filed by a defeated senatorial candidate, namely former assistant police chief Khamrop Panyakaew.
He had earlier petitioned the Election Commission over the electoral fraud charges but the polling agency had rejected it for purported lack of evidence.
A large majority of the total 200 senior lawmakers, headed by Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja, are known to be discreetly, practically loyal to de facto Bhumjaithai boss Newin Chidchob.
Those senators have evidently cast votes in line with those of the MPs of the Bhumjaithai, the second-largest coalition partner, for legislations and motions lodged at parliament.
CAPTION:
A polling station during last year’s senatorial elections, above, and vote counting, Front Page. Photos: Naewna
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