EC defers vote-buying ruling

General news - Friday December 14, 2007

EC defers vote-buying ruling

MONGKOL BANGPRAPA

The Election Commission (EC) yesterday deferred until next week its ruling on vote-buying allegations against three People Power party (PPP) candidates in constituency 3 of Nakhon Ratchasima province. EC chairman Apichart Sukhagganond said the commission needed more time to question a new witness for the accused.

The three candidates _ Prasert Chanruangthong, Linda Cherdchai and Bunlert Krutkhunthot _ testified to the commission yesterday.

The charges were filed after a PPP canvasser, Tee sae Lek, 56, was arrested with a number of calendars with bank notes stapled to them, according to news reports.

The calendars reportedly contained information and photos of the PPP candidates.

Mr Apichart said all three PPP candidates denied the charge.

After appearing before the EC, Mr Bunlert said news reports about the arrest of Mr Tee were not consistent with police records.

Police searched Mr Tee's house on Nov 13 and found only 10,700 baht in cash and PPP application forms. Mr Tee was released shortly after the search, he said.

The media reported the arrest of Mr Tee a week later and claimed Mr Tee was found with a number of calendars with bank notes attached.

In fact, the party did not get candidate numbers until Nov 12. On Nov 13, the party had not published any canvassing documents, Mr Bunlert said.

The PPP was also accused of donating 2,000 baht cash to Wat Kud Ta Dam.

Udom Faprong, a lawyer for the PPP candidates, said the 2,000 baht cash did not come from the PPP's coffers.

The stapled bank notes allegation was simply a ploy to slander the party.

Mr Udom also denied that the PPP had recruited people to attend its campaign rally.

Bangkok Post