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Published on January 25, 2008

Inconsistent procedures

In Buri Ram, where red cards had been awarded to three People Power Pary candidates, inconsistent counting of ballots was observed. At some polling stations, election 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 Prachin Buri before this weekend's re-elections to prevent such mistakes," said Ichal Supriadi, mission coordinator.

Election-related violence

The bomb outside a Puea Pandin candidate's house in Buri Ram on January 13 is deeply disturbing, as are the death threats that have been received by the EC chairman Kasem Watanatham. The perpetrators of election-related violence should be brought to justice.

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 EC should investigate this case and issue further punishment if necessary," said Adam Cooper, the Anfrel mission assistant who observed re-elections in Buri Ram.

Lack of observers

A disturbing lack of other observers at polling stations, either from civil society groups or political parties, was evident at polling stations. 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.

Storage

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. While Anfrel did not observe any tampering with polling materials, the lack of security at these locations and inconsistent locations should be addressed.

Verification of voter lists

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

Village headmen

Local government officials, particularly village headmen (phuyaiban) and subdistrict headmen (kamnan), continue to exercise strong political roles eg 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.

Low voter turnout

The low turnout was partly inevitable since many voters were working outside their home provinces and others were disillusioned with or tired of the political process. The provincial EC in areas such as Nakhon Nayok was not active enough in advertising the re-election.

"The EC 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.

The Nation