Chuan sharply criticized the Election Commission for completing the election process but failing to stop vote-buying and Senate collusion, warning those involved not to deny the truth as they risk facing two charges.
On 16 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Chuan Leekpai, Democrat Party list MP, rose to debate emphasizing the Election Commission’s effectiveness, stating that although the current EC completed the election process, allowing widespread vote-buying and corruption constituted a complete failure, as offenders were left unpunished.
Chuan added that having experienced elections from the Ministry of Interior era to the 6th EC, this commission faces the harshest public criticism for allowing debt-of-gratitude systems and political interference to distort independent bodies, turning wrong into right and lacking fairness. Despite him and party leaders writing to the EC secretary-general, the Interior Ministry permanent secretary, and the national police chief urging civil servants to remain neutral, these efforts failed because officials feared political powers. Some department directors even ordered deputy provincial governors to assist major political parties.
Chuan also addressed the Senate vote-rigging case, saying it would be unfair to blame Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul directly, since the case arose in 2024 before Anutin became PM in 2025. However, undeniably, the rigging scheme involved names matching several ministers in the current government.
The former Democrat Party leader warned those involved not to deny the truth, as denial would lead to double charges: the original wrongdoing and perjury. He expressed confidence that the Supreme Court will use its investigative system to uncover the truth. He sent encouragement to over 3,000 EC staff nationwide, urging them to restore the commission’s credibility by performing their duties honestly and fearlessly, making full use of this year’s 2.7 billion baht budget.