Bangkok: Mongkolkitt Suksintharanon, Secretary-General of the New Alternative Party, has taken a significant step by filing a petition with the Ombudsman to challenge the validity of the 2016 general election. He argues that the Election Commission's decision to mandate re-elections in three polling units contravenes constitutional provisions and has requested that the Ombudsman refer the case to the Constitutional Court for a ruling.
According to Thai News Agency, Mongkolkitt has compared the situation to the 2014 election, which was declared invalid by the Constitutional Court following the closure of polling stations by the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC). He contends that the current Election Commission should have opted for a recount rather than declaring null and void elections and ordering new ones in certain stations. The EC has mandated new elections in Bangkok, Nan Province, and Udon Thani Province, which Mongkolkitt claims is a direct violation of the Constitution and renders the 2016 election invalid.
Mongkolkitt also plans to file a lawsuit with the Administrative Court concerning the integrity of overseas voting, citing live-streaming and insecure ballot handling as constitutional violations. He further questioned the transparency of the election ballot procurement process overseen by Election Commission Secretary-General Saeng Boonmee, particularly regarding the inclusion of barcodes, which he believes should be disclosed to the public. Mongkolkitt advised Mr. Saeng to prioritize his health and assured him of support, emphasizing the potential for liability if the ballots are not deemed direct and secret by the Constitutional Court.