The Democrat Party on Monday called for an investigation into alleged proxy voting by People's Party councillors during a recent Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) meeting, saying it would file a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
At a press conference, party spokesman Pongsakorn Kwanmuang and five Democrat councillors questioned an incident during the July 31 meeting in which the electronic voting system recorded 41 votes, despite only 40 councillors being present.
Bangkok Noi councillor Napapon Chirakul said the council's electronic voting system requires members to verify their identities with membership cards. He said one card appeared to have been left in a voting terminal.
Mr Napapon said Yannawa councillor Phattharasak Mai-Pranet later admitted pressing both his own voting button and that assigned to Sathon councillor Sairam Prakaikij, both from the People's Party.
He rejected claims of a machine malfunction, saying faulty terminals display an error signal and cannot be used.
Pom Prap Sattru Phai councillor Nipapan Chuenglertsiri said she witnessed Mr Phattharasak cast his own vote before pressing the neighbouring button, adding that any genuine mistake should have been reported immediately to the meeting chair.
Mr Pongsakorn said the Democrats would file a complaint with the NACC, ask the interior minister to investigate possible ethical breaches, and seek clarification from the council chairman on further action.
