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Published on January 1, 2008

"The EC should not allow the coup leaders to use it as a tool to wipe out the overwhelming mandate of the people given to People Power," he said.

Chaturon made his remarks just before the announcement of the PPP-led coalition alliance.

He said he was concerned about speculation on the large number of red and yellow cards to disqualify MPs-select so as to switch the core coalition leadership from the PPP to the Democrats.

Before the balloting, rumours spread that the junta would work through the EC in order to prevent People Power from grabbing power, he said.

Two days ahead of the December 23 poll, Deputy Prime Minister Sonthi Boonyaratglin predicted that results would be disqualified in large numbers and that it would be difficult for the coalition to emerge, he said.

Later, People's Alliance for Democracy member Suriyasai Katasila echoed Sonthi's remarks and Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas hinted about a Democrat-led coalition, he said, insinuating a conspiracy against the PPP.

Chaturon called on the EC to suspend the issuing of red cards. The balloting outcome should be endorsed and all ongoing cases of electoral fraud should be compiled and forwarded for the judicial review by the Supreme Court in order to ensure fair play after the convening of Parliament, he said.

"I hope the four EC members will accept the people's judgement and refrain from helping the dictatorship to hold on to power," he said.

Meanwhile, PPP secretary-general Surapong Suebwonglee called on the EC to remove Pol Maj-General Chaiya Siri-amphankul, deputy commander of the Special Branch, from the EC's fraud-investigating panel. He said his party wanted a new man who was truly neutral.

Democrat campaign spokesman Thepthai Senpong said his party supported Chaiya to stay at the EC as he would provide in-depth information involving electoral fraud.

A source close to the EC said the commission would be investigating complaints that involved some PPP winning candidates distributing VCDs in which deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra asked his supporters to vote for People Power.

A few weeks earlier, the EC filed a criminal lawsuit against former PPP candidate Prasang Mongkonsiri over his distribution of the Thaksin VCDs.

The Nation