Thailand Parliamentary Elections Monitoring & Observation 2007/ 2008

 

Last week's re-elections in Thailand were observed by the Asian Network for Free Elections in six provinces (Buri Ram, Udon Thani, Lampang, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, and Phetchabun), with observers visiting 94 polling stations. Though the re-elections were generally administered competently and no systematic fraud was observed, ANFREL identified eight key problems that should be immediately addressed:

 

1 - Inconsistent ballot counting and voter confusion

 

In Buri Ram, where red cards had been awarded to three PPP candidates, inconsistent counting of ballots was observed. At some polling stations, elections officials rejected ballots where voters chose one red-carded candidate and two eligible candidates for the three seats in their constituency. However polling station staff in other areas, when presented with similar ballots, accepted votes for the two eligible candidates. "Clearer instructions must be provided to polling officials in Chai Nat and Prachinburi before this weekend's re-elections to prevent such mistakes. ANFREL will be sending teams of observers to these provinces to check on whether this problem is addressed," said Ichal Supriadi, ANFREL's Mission Coordinator.

 

As well confusion about voting for disqualified candidates, voters in other areas, such as Phetchabun, Nakhon Nayok, and Lampang were not clear about how many candidates to vote for. "The ECT should use local media to clarify how voting for re-elections differs from the general elections to prevent more spoilt ballots," Supriadi recommended. 

 

2 - Election-related violence

 

The bomb outside a Puea Pandin candidate's house in Buri Ram on 13^th January is deeply disturbing, as are the death threats that have been received by the ECT Chairman Kasem Watanatham. The perpetrators of election-related violence should be brought to justice. However, the police and ECT in Udon Thani do not appear to be vigorously investigating the case of Mr. Kwanchai Sarakham, a PPP canvasser and local radio host. An unknown group of men badly beat Kwanchai on 18^th December and tried to burn down his radio station on 22^nd December. The local police commander dismissed the case as "not political" and the ECT Chairwoman stated that because Kwanchai is not a candidate, it is beyond the ECT to look into the case closely.

 

3 - Possible illegal campaigning

 

In Buri Ram, leaflets featuring an image of PPP candidates and criticising those who had reported election violations allegedly committed by the PPP - an oblique reference to Puea Pandin - were circulated in the province. "While PPP candidates denied they were involved in the printing and distribution of these leaflets, and have already been given red cards, the Election Commission should investigate this case and issue further punishment if necessary," said Adam Cooper, the ANFREL Mission Assistant who observed re-elections in Buri Ram.

 

4 - Lack of observers

 

A disturbing lack of other observers at polling stations, either from civil society groups or political parties, were present at polling stations on the days of re-election. Local NGOs were not very active in the pre-election period to observe and report on campaign violations such as vote buying. "Without any observers present at polling stations, the potential for polling fraud such as stuffing ballot boxes and altering vote counts certainly increases," said Supriadi.

 

5 - Low voter turnout

 

The low voter turnout was partly inevitable since many voters were working outside of their home provinces, and others were disillusioned with or tired of the political process. Provincial ECT, in areas such as Nakhon Nayok, were not active enough in advertising the re-election, "The ECT should also insist that employers give their workers the day off in constituencies where re-elections are held to allow for greater participation," recommended Supriadi.

 

6 - Storage of polling materials

 

Polling materials such as ballot boxes and ballot papers were stored the night before re-elections in various locations, such as the homes of those on polling station committees, local government offices, and the houses of village headmen (phuyaiban). While ANFREL did not observe any tampering of polling materials, the lack of security at these locations and inconsistent location should be addressed. Ideally, materials should be distributed in the early morning the day of the election rather than the day before.

 

7 - Verification of voter list

 

The names of dead voters were still on the electoral roll at some polling stations in Nakhon Nayok. The ECT should verify the list of eligible voters prepared by the relevant government Ministries.

 

8 - Presence of phuyaiban on polling station committees

 

Local government officials, particularly village headmen (phuyaiban) and sub-district headmen (kamnans), continue to exercise strong political roles e.g. in Nakhon Ratchasima. A PPP canvasser in Udon Thani even boasted that the "majority of phuyaiban are with us". Villagers in Lampang also informed observers that local government officials and police were aligned with the PPP. "Given their active canvassing, phuyaiban should not be allowed on polling station committees," concluded Supriadi.

 

Notes for editors:

• Full recommendations will be made in ANFREL's final mission report to be released in February 2008
• ANFREL observed the Thai general elections using 37 election observers from 15 Asian countries
• For Thai enquiries please contact Somsri Hananuntasuk on 081 810 5306. For English enquiries please contact Ichal Supriadi on 085 822 9002 or Adam Cooper on 081 849 2278