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Published on March 3, 2008

Commissioner Prapun Naigowit said 21 of the complaints were of vote-buying and in two cases, permanent officials were accused of failing to maintain neutrality.

Praphan said seven candidates were accused of intimidating opponents and one was accused of breaking campaign-sign rules.

He said the number of complaints was low, compared with more than 100 received in the general election.

Praphan said the commission would announce official results of the Senate election on Wednesday.

Commissioner Sodsri Satayathum said eight complaints appeared to be serious and involved Northeast members of Parliament campaigning for Senate candidates.

Commission deputy secretary-general Phuchong Nutrawong said 13 complaints from more than 190 organisations that helped monitor the election were received.

Most were of alleged vote-buying in Chiang Rai, Amnart Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Nong Khai and Prae.

Phuchong said in Amnart Charoen an election monitor produced a voter who claimed he had received money from a candidate.

Chiang Mai election director Pongphan Riewthongthawee said three or four candidates were accused of buying votes, either by promising to give money or paying money.

Prachin Buri election director Wichit Kaewkerdken said some voters had received Bt100 each from canvassers who asked them vote for a candidate.

The Nation