• 
• 

Published on January 5, 2008

"We need time to solve vote-buying, and need to take a long-term approach. Rome was not built in a day. Setting up the committee at least marked a significant political milestone for the country,'' said Sonthi, the chairman of the Anti Vote-Buying Committee.

He thanked its members for the successes it did have in encouraging people to vote. There was a voter turnout of more than 74 per cent, in excess of the target.

He said unlike previous elections, vote-buying in the December 23 election was more sophisticated. Those involved used "hi-tech equipment".

He encouraged the government to inform the public about ways in which votes were bought.

"It was a classic election. How they cheated and bought votes should be put in textbooks for students,'' he said.

The committee will meet next month to conclude its work, following the completion of by-elections.

Candidate registration for the Senate election must be completed by February 21. National Legislative Assembly members can apply as candidates. Constitution drafters cannot.

The Nation