The Election Commission (EC) will meet next week to review and endorse the voting results for both the party-list and constituency systems, according to a source at the Office of the Election Commission.
The source gave June 19 and 22 as potential dates, given the EC has already finished reviewing the 400 MPs-elect in the constituency system.
Meanwhile, EC secretary-general Sawang Boonmee has set up a panel to investigate a leaked election report which indicated that 71 of these MPs-elect could be suspended due to various complaints against them, said the source.
The person said the three-page report represents the initial results of the May 14 general election, which the Office of the EC prepared for submission to poll commissioners.
Based on the leaked document that was shared online, 329 of the MPs-elect have no complaints about them and can be endorsed. The 71 others do have issues filed against them and face the risk of suspension.
The 71 winners are divided among eight parties: 21 from Bhumjaithai, 20 from Pheu Thai, 14 from the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), seven from the Move Forward Party (MFP), three from the United Thai Nation Party (UTN), three from the Democrats, two from the Thai Sang Thai Party, and one from Pheu Thai Ruam Phalang.
MFP leader and prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat yesterday dismissed concerns that suspensions of MPs-elect in the MFP-led alliance would affect its attempt to set up a new government. Of the 71 named, 30 are from the MFP-led bloc.
"I also believe the winning candidates can clear their names amid all the allegations. There's nothing to be concerned about," Mr Pita said.
Asked if he had a message for the EC a month after the polls, Mr Pita said while he understood the EC is doing its best to ensure transparency, people were looking forward to having a new government installed soon.
Under the current rules, the EC has 60 days after an election to certify at least 95% or 475 of all 500 winning candidates from both systems. That number is enough for the newly elected House to convene its first meeting.
Other key political figures yesterday expressed confidence their candidates could prove the allegations against them were groundless.
