EC to consider Yongyuth's case today

The Election Commission will meet today to discuss electoral fraud allegations involving House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat.

However, it's uncertain whether any ruling, which could see Yongyuth disqualified and removed from his parliamentary post, will be made today.

Trying to shake off speculation the EC is under pressure to find Yongyuth guilty, EC chief Apichart Sukhagganond denied that any hidden force or "invisible hand" was playing a role in the commission's deliberation.

"The EC will do all that is needed to be done. I can't say, however, whether any ruling can be made today. It may take time to study the case and each of the five commissioners may need to take the file back home to study it and return for reconsideration," Apichart said. He noted the case was of great interest to the public and must be concluded as quickly as possible.

"I don't feel pressured because I do everything straight-forwardly," said Apichart, "I have no bias towards anybody, and so, no pressure."

Apichart refused to dwell on PM Samak Sundaravej's remark that an "invisible hand" was trying to undermine the current administration through the EC.

"There are no invisible hands. I can see both my hands. I can confirm that the EC is not under the influence of anyone or party. I don't feel pressured. You can criticise us, but we insist that we're honest and have no interest in being partisan."

EC commissioner Prapun Naigowit said the hearing would rely on witness accounts and circumstantial evidence. So far, he believed the accounts were reliable.

Yongyuth said yesterday he forgave everyone who was against him and added he hoped events would return to peace and normality. He denied he had hired a crowd to protest in front of the EC office today, and pleaded to the public, saying he was a victim of character assassination, and that he believed in justice.

Atthayuth Butrsripoom

The Nation