Tape inquiry may delay poll result declaration

Ubon Ratchathani loser files complaint

The Election Commission may stall endorsement of the poll result in Nakhon Nayok pending investigation into the taped vote-buying conversation.

Vijit Yusuparb, a commissioner, said a delay could be ordered if investigators believed the recording was linked to the June 30 by-election.

Mr Vijit heads the inquiry tasked with determining the authenticity of the taped conversation, allegedly between Chart Thai deputy leader Somsak Prisananantakul and a Chart Thai MP for Nakhon Nayok, about buying votes for 200 baht each.

Chart Thai candidate Sithichai Kittinaresuan was victorious in the poll.

Commissioner Vijit said if the tape-obtained and broadcast by army-run television Channel 5-proved to be authentic, a fresh vote would be called in the constituency and any candidate found involved would be barred from standing.

Executives of any political party found involved could be dismissed from the House of Representatives and the party disbanded by a Constitutional Court order.

Mr Vijit said no time limit had been fixed for the tape investigation.

Witnesses could be invited to testify, but this would further drag out the inquiry.

uKittipong Thiamsuwan, a Thai Rak Thai candidate for Ubon Ratchathani constituency 10, has filed a complaint against Sakchai Jintavej of Chart Thai, who won in the June 30 by-election there, on grounds of vote buying.

Thirat Sapphume, representing Mr Kittipong , alleged Mr Sakchai had distributed cash to voters and promised more if he was elected.

Mr Thirat said he had five witnesses who received cash and who were ready to give evidence before the Election Commission.