Thai election officials say 66 winners risk disqualification

BANGKOK – Election officials in Thailand say 66 winning candidates in last month's elections face possible disqualification because of complaints filed against them.

Election Commissioner Pakorn Mahannop said Friday that if any of the 66 candidates who won the most votes in their districts are disqualified, it would directly affect the final election results, including the number of party-list seats each party is awarded according to a complex formula related to their share of the overall popular vote.

The commission has come under heavy public criticism over alleged mismanagement of the nation's first elections since a military coup in 2014.

The final certified vote tallies are due on May 9. No party won a majority, according to preliminary figures.