Jail for Thai ex-poll commissioners for mishandling April elections

THAILAND: A court on Friday sentenced three former election commissioners to two years in prison, in a second conviction against the officials for wrongdoing during April polls that were at the center of Thailand's political crisis.

The case, brought by the opposition Democrat Party, was one of several launched against the former commissioners for their handling of elections, which were later nullified. The criminal court in July sentenced the three commissioners to four years in prison on a related case that they are appealing.

On Friday, the court ruled in favour of the Democrat Party, convicting three of the former commissioners of malfeasance and dereliction of duty. The party accused the commissioners of intentionally delaying an investigation into the ruling Thai Rak Thai party, which was accused of paying small parties to pose as mock candidates in the election.

The court also revoked their voting rights for 10 years. The commissioners promptly filed an appeal against the ruling.

Critics allege the ruling party was trying to circumvent rules that could keep it from winning seats in areas with low voter turnouts.

Thailand's previous election commissioners, who were recently replaced, were widely regarded as favoring Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's ruling party.

Opposition parties - as well as the country's high courts - had sought the commissioners resignations for the sake of fairness before new polls scheduled for later this year.

"Today, the judiciary has proved to be the only institution the people can count on," said Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thueksuban.

Bangkok, Friday, AP