The Election Commission on Saturday defended a draft organic law empowering poll investigators to arrest suspected violators of election laws, saying the measure was designed to combat poll fraud. EC chairman Supachai Somcharoen said the proposed increase in poll investigators' powers is meant to address the Constitution Drafting Committee's concerns about cheats and vote-buying. He said there are about 200 vacant posts for commission investigators, and this post requires candidates with investigative skills and expertise. He said the commission is ready to clarify the draft organic law with the Constitution Drafting Committee on Thursday. However, under the proposed law, provincial election officials would not be allowed to work in election fraud cases.

Source: Bangkok Post September 25, 2016 00:11 UTC