Ballot-rippers blast commission
Two men spoiled their ballot papers yesterday morning in defiance of the Election Commission.
Samit Samitthinan, 72, a former candidate for Bangkok governor, said he destroyed his on purpose because they were too large.Bangkok had only 259 candidates but the EC printed ballot papers that could list up to 400, which was a waste of money, he said. "Voters can choose only one candidate. Why does the EC have to make the slip of paper so huge?" asked the 72-year-old. Police arrested Samit at the polling station at Thatthong temple in Watthana district, then released him on bail. In Phichit, Arratch Teewong, a former member of the Khao Sai Tambon Administration Organisation, also ripped up his ballot paper, saying he wanted to protest against vote-buying and draw attention to what he called the EC's lack of proper standards. He also wanted to set a precedent that would lead to political reform, he said. He said he was pleased to be booked and would fight the charges in court. "I will follow the [actions] of Chulalongkorn University lecturer Chaiyan Chiyaporn," he said. Chaiyan ripped his ballot paper in half at a poll booth during the April 2 general election in a show of civil disobedience against the Thaksin regime. The Nation
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