EC launches app to report PAO poll fraud

EC launches app to report PAO poll fraud

Election Commission secretary-general Jarungvith Phumma
Election Commission secretary-general Jarungvith Phumma

The Election Commission (EC) on Monday launched an app the public can use to notify the poll watchdog of suspected fraudulent activities in the coming provincial administration organisation (PAO) elections.

EC secretary-general Jarungvith Phumma said the "Ta Sapparod" (Pineapple Eyes) app will allow voters to inform the EC of suspected offences and encourage fair and transparent elections of PAOs nationwide on Dec 20.

Pol Col Jarungvith said people who files reports of suspected electoral fraud would have to provide their ID card numbers, to avoid false allegations, and would be protected under the election laws.

The complaints would be forwarded by the EC to local election officials to investigate and  complainants would receive 100,000-baht rewards if their reports lead to prosecution, he said.

He said the EC also launched an e-war room to monitor online election campaign activities to ensure compliance with the local election laws. The EC is empowered to order illegal content be revised or deleted.

Pol Col Jarungvith said voters could also use the "Smart Vote" app to check where they could cast their ballot, from Nov 27 -- three days after the EC releases lists of eligible voters.

The application also provides information about the PAO elections and details about the election candidates, he said.

The EC secretary-general said 335 people applied to run for a PAO chairmanship and 8,186 people applied to run for PAO seats  in 76 provinces.

However, 120 were not endorsed because they lacked qualifications, he said, Most had failed to vote in last year's general election and did not inform the EC why.

Pol Col Jarungvith warned candidates and the public in general to be careful when sharing information about the candidates. They could face charges if they spread false information.

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