EC absolves itself over extra ballot papers

EC secretary-general Suthiphon Thaveechaiygarn said yesterday the probe panel had reached a unanimous decision, finding no signs of irregularity or intentional violation of relevant laws and regulations by any EC officials.

Suthiphon said the EC agreed with the panel's suggestion that the case be dropped.

The investigation stemmed from a complaint filed by Police Maj-General Sawek Pinsinchai, former commander of the Forestry Police. The Department of Special Investigation is conducting a separate investigation about the allegation of irregularities.

Suthiphon said yesterday that copies of the report on its probe panel's findings would be sent to Sawek, the National Counter Corruption Commission and the Auditor-General's Office.

Copies of a 19-minute video report on the EC's process of ballot-paper printing would be distributed to media organisations and made available on its website, explaining the agency's commitment to transparency, Suthiphon said.

He said the current EC appeared to be facing more serious political attacks than its predecessors. "It could be because our work might upset people in power," he added.