EC frets over cash for votes

Agency warning after 'heavy spending' seen

- AEKARACH SATTABURUTH

Concerns over vote-buying have intensified in the final days before tomorrow's general election and constitutional referendum, prompting the Election Commission (EC) to order heightened monitoring nationwide, particularly in the Northeast and the South.

EC secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee sent an urgent message via an internal Line group to provincial election directors, instructing them to pay more attention in areas where competition is fierce.

He cited reports that large sums of money may be deployed in the final days before polling day, especially in provinces in the Northeast and South.

Officials in these regions were told to pay particular attention to prevent vote-buying and to take decisive action should any distribution of money be detected.

The EC reiterated its warning to parties that their executive committees must supervise party members to ensure no payments are made that could undermine the integrity of the election.