The future of Election Commission (EC) Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee hangs in the balance following reports that he failed an internal performance evaluation. Commissioners taking part in the evaluation reportedly voted 4:3 against Sawaeng, raising the prospect of his contract being terminated.
Sawaeng began his five-year term in April 2022 after being appointed by the incumbent election commissioners. Over recent years, he has been blamed for what critics call the EC’s inefficiency in doing its job of ensuring fair and fraud-free elections.
He also reportedly failed to meet the minimum 60% in his 2025 evaluation, and as per EC regulations, a score below 60% is grounds for dismissal.
Controversy, however, has erupted over whether four former commissioners who left office last year – including previous EC chair Ittiporn Boonpracong – had the legal authority to evaluate Sawaeng’s performance.
Who can evaluate him?
The seven incumbent election commissioners, chaired by Narong Klunwarin, are expected to decide later this month whether to terminate Sawaeng’s contract. However, that decision depends on whether former commissioners can legally evaluate a serving secretary-general’s performance, or whether only incumbents can do the job.
Narong said the EC had sought guidance on the matter from the Council of State – the government’s legal advisory body – and expects an answer soon.
Opposition MPs have voiced concern that Sawaeng’s removal could further undermine the EC’s handling of high-profile cases – particularly allegations surrounding the 2024 Senate election.
An EC investigation has reportedly cleared all 229 suspects of colluding to rig the election in favour of the Bhumjaithai Party, but the EC board has yet to confirm the ruling.
Critics also argue that while Sawaeng has been singled out for alleged poor performance, his colleagues remain beyond public scrutiny despite concerns over the EC’s efficiency.
‘People power key to fair elections’
Sawaeng, 62, said on Tuesday he was not discouraged by reports of his evaluation failure, adding that he was proud to be part of the EC, which marks its 28th anniversary this month.
“I have positive feelings about working with every past Election Commission team. And I still feel good about the situation now,” said the secretary-general. Questioned about the evaluation result, he said he had done his best in the job.
Responding to allegations of unfair practice levelled against the EC, Sawaeng insisted the agency had worked for the past 28 years to ensure elections were fair, transparent, and participatory. He also called on citizens to help the EC achieve that goal.
“A strong election cannot be achieved by any single organisation alone. It requires cooperation from all sectors of society,” he said at the EC headquarters during an event to mark the agency’s anniversary on Tuesday (June 9). The election watchdog was founded on June 9, 1998.
According to the EC website, the secretary-general acts as “commander” of its officials and employees, representing the office and overseeing the administration and supervision of its personnel and operations.
A veteran investigator
Sawaeng holds two bachelor’s degrees, in law and political science, from Ramkhamhaeng University. He also earned a master’s degree in political science from Thammasat University.
Before joining the EC, he served as secretary to a committee tasked with drafting the so-called “People’s Constitution” of 1997. He has also served as secretary of government and parliamentary panels dealing with law reforms and constitutional amendments.
At the EC, Sawaeng’s duties have encompassed database development, political party affairs, and electoral fraud investigations.
He previously served as deputy EC secretary-general in charge of investigations, before being appointed secretary-general in April 2022 after winning unanimous support from the EC commissioners. He succeeded Jarungwit Phumma, who resigned in late 2021 to enter the Senate.
Sawaeng declared assets of 28.2 million baht in April last year, after serving three years in the post. His declaration to the National Anti-Corruption Commission included 8.2 million baht in bank savings, 4.4 million in investments, 530 Buddha amulets valued at 8.6 million, and landholdings in Buriram worth 107,200 baht.
