Chonburi: Suchart Chomklin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, has expressed his willingness to accept a recount in Chonburi’s District 1 election. As the Bhumjaithai Party’s candidate for Member of Parliament in the district, Suchart has sent a letter to the Election Commission aiming for transparency to clear any doubts regarding the electoral process.
According to Thai News Agency, Suchart issued a statement addressing the February 8th election and vote counting process, highlighting concerns of confusion and suspicion. He has formally requested a recount for Constituency 1, which includes eight sub-districts in Mueang Chonburi District, in accordance with the legal framework. Suchart emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and fairness in upholding democratic principles and expressed his readiness to cooperate fully with the Election Commission.
Suchart remarked that while he is not well-versed in the Election Commission’s legal intricacies, he supports actions that align with public desire. He mentioned a vote count difference of about 5,000 votes between his tally and the opposition’s, while acknowledging the need to trust the Election Commission’s results. For Constituency 2, where his party lost, he stated adherence to democratic principles and saw no need for a recount, given his lack of involvement in advance vote counts.
Addressing a counter-challenge by Ice Rakchanok, Suchart refrained from making comments, suggesting that constituents should voice their opinions instead. He questioned Rakchanok’s motives and emphasized his lack of concern over the situation.
Additionally, Suchart criticized media inaccuracies, particularly regarding incidents reported during the vote count, such as a power outage in Nonthaburi and a fire at a ballot box warehouse. He stressed the importance of journalistic ethics and impartial reporting, clarifying that these incidents were unrelated to him or the Chonburi elections.