Thailand Parliamentary Elections Monitoring & Observation 2007/ 2008

Thailand: Smooth Poll, Post Election Challenges Ahead

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) commends the Election Commission on holding Thailand’s elections, the results of which generally reflect the will of the people.

“Polling itself on election day was smooth except for some infractions of polling procedures. Our concern is more with election violations in the pre-election period and how the ECT will deal with cases of election fraud in the next two weeks,” said Mr. Damaso Magbual, ANFREL’s Head of Mission. 

“We urge the ECT to pursue cases of vote-buying vigorously but to do so equitably. They must not be seen to award red and yellow cards unfairly. So far the decision-making of the ECT has not been open enough,” continued Mr. Magbual. ANFREL will observe any re-elections that take place.  

Despite new legislation, money politics remains pervasive. “People are scared to report vote buying to the authorities because they fear for their own safety and doubt that anyone will be successfully prosecuted. Authorities are sometimes reluctant to investigate,” said Magbual.  

Some government officials have not remained neutral, particularly village headmen (phuyaiban). “They continue to canvass for political parties and are even on polling station committees, where they can potentially influence voters.”

Regarding the role of the military, Mr. Magbual remarked “Though martial law has not been applied in a heavy handed way as in Pakistan, its presence is inconsistent with international norms. In Chiang Rai, our observers received credible information that the army coerced their own soldiers and intimidated PPP supporters.”

Though turnout for the elections was generally high, ANFREL notes with the concern the large number of spoilt ballots for the party-list seats. “This confirms our suspicions that many people did not really understand the new election system and that voter education should be improved,” he continued. w

In order to improve voter education, tackle vote buying, and watch over government officials who are supposed to remain neutral, stronger monitoring by Thai NGOs is required. “An alternative funding mechanism should be developed where money does not flow come from the ECT, allowing NGOs to maintain their independence,” concluded Magbual.

Recommendations

1. Better training for polling staff – ensure infractions such as polling booths open to the public are not repeated
2. Prepare better fro advance voting – manage voter list more effectively
3. More effective voter education – better outreach to rural voters and the elderly
4. Stronger observation – more international observers; more well-trained and coordinate local monitors by P-NET and others; political parties recruit and train more party observers
5. Open decision-making of ECT – unless absolutely necessary, open meetings of the ECT to observers and issue written rulings on decisions soon afterwards 
6. Develop capacity of investigative wing of ECT – more proactive approach
7. Focus on large-scale fraud – shift focus away regulating campaign minutiae
8. Remove legislation that contributes to an undemocratic environment – repeal martial law and the Internal Security Act
9. Broaden criteria of eligible voters – grant monks the right to vote
10. Flexible voting location – voters to choose home province or where they work

For Thai enquiries please contact Somsri Hananuntasuk (Executive Director) on 081 810 5306. For English enquiries please contact Ichal Supriadi (Mission Coordinator) on 085 822 9002, or Adam Cooper (Media Officer / Mission Assistant) on 081 849 2278