In response to allegations of corruption by former EC member Phuchong Nutrawong, the Election Commission of Thailand (EC) has defended its voting machine procurement.
Phuchong had earlier asked the public to keep a watch on the EC's purchase of new voting machines. He said nearly 10 billion baht could be spent to install the machines in 95,000 voting stations in Thailand.
Election Commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn has countered that just 10 million baht will be used to buy the 200 additional machines for the 2017 elections in Bangkok.
He added that none of the new voting machines will be deployed at the five voting stations in Bangkok for the public referendum in 2016.
Defending the procurement plan, Somchai said the existing machines are obsolete and not suitable for every type of voting available.
Phuchong had earlier asked the public to keep a watch on the EC's purchase of new voting machines. He said nearly 10 billion baht could be spent to install the machines in 95,000 voting stations in Thailand.
Election Commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn has countered that just 10 million baht will be used to buy the 200 additional machines for the 2017 elections in Bangkok.
He added that none of the new voting machines will be deployed at the five voting stations in Bangkok for the public referendum in 2016.
Defending the procurement plan, Somchai said the existing machines are obsolete and not suitable for every type of voting available.