Election commission Faces Criticism over Management of Upcoming Provincial Administrative Association Elections
27 January 2025
At a recent session in Parliament, Ms. Nanthanananthawaro, a member of the Sub-commission on Political Development and Public Participation, highlighted three critical issues plaguing the management of the upcoming Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) elections scheduled for 1 february. These concerns, she argued, could undermine the democratic process and hinder the decentralization of power to local communities.
The Problems at Hand
- Inconvenient Election Date
The decision to hold the election on a Saturday has sparked widespread criticism. Ms. Nanthana pointed out that many private companies operate on Saturdays, making it arduous for employees to return to their constituencies to vote. Despite numerous objections, the Election Commission has insisted on maintaining the date.
Citing statistics from the National Statistical Office, Ms. Nanthana revealed that 28-30% of Thai workers are required to work on Saturdays,accounting for one in three voters. she questioned, “the latest PAO election on 20 December 2020, held on a Sunday, saw only 62.86% voter turnout. How much lower will this election be?”
- No Advance Voting Outside Domicile
Another critically important issue is the lack of advance voting options for those working outside their home constituencies. Ms. Nanthana explained that this forces voters to bear the expense of traveling back to their domiciles,which may deter many from participating. She also warned that this could led to corruption, with individuals possibly impersonating voters to cast ballots on their behalf.
- Inadequate Voter Mobilization Campaigns
Despite having a budget of 4,805 million baht for this year’s elections,the Election Commission has been criticized for its lackluster voter mobilization efforts. Ms.Nanthana noted,”With only five days left,we haven’t seen a serious campaign from the Election Commission. It’s a very quiet election.”
A Call to Action
Ms. nanthana urged employers to allow their employees to vote without counting it as a leave day, emphasizing the importance of supporting local governance. She also called on voters to exercise their rights fully,stating,”Choose quality people to manage our local areas. Confirm the power of local autonomy and protect our political rights. Do not let anyone squeeze or impersonate our rights.”
Key Issues at a Glance
| Issue | Details |
|————————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Election Date | Saturday, inconvenient for many workers |
| Advance Voting | Not available outside domicile, increasing voter disenfranchisement |
| Voter Mobilization | Lack of effective campaigns despite a 4,805 million baht budget |
The upcoming PAO elections are a pivotal moment for local governance, but the challenges highlighted by Ms. Nanthana raise concerns about voter turnout and the integrity of the process. As the election day approaches,all eyes are on the Election Commission to address these issues and ensure a fair and inclusive democratic exercise.
