Just for once, these words are not mine, only my occasional italics for emphasis. What follows is taken from a statement by the Asian Network for Free Elections, a Bangkok based monitor of election and human rights with a mandate to support democratic development in Asia. From January 2-7th, ANFREL deployed 42 international observers from 17 countries to observe Thailand's general election. Sensitive areas in 28 provinces were covered - including Chiangmai, Chiangrai and Phitsanulok.

"Because this was the first general election under Thailand's new constitution, there had been much public enthusiasm for better electoral process that would produce a political system entrusted with professional and ethical qualifications. ANFREL witnessed strong commitment of Thai people to exercise their democratic rights and duties at the polls. Polling stations recorded high voter turnout.

In parallel, ANFREL was impressed by unprecedented efforts of the Election Commission and people's organisations to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

On January 6th (polling day), against a backdrop of reports about irregularity and violence during the pre-election period, ANFREL found that the general atmosphere at the polls was relatively peaceful. Overall efforts of related authorities to maintain order and basic standards of democratic elections were also commendable. Nevertheless, ANFREL would like to express concerns over some lapses of procedural and technical consistency in administering and conducting the electoral process. For example, conflicting instructions were given to the public about voting procedures. Additionally, the layout of some polling stations also compromised voting secrecy.

ANFREL noted the implications of the entrenched patronage system for the conduct of the polls. Specially, the proximity between local election officials and political parties could be a factor in influencing voting behaviour in some areas. The location of polling stations near or in the residence of local officials and the presence of party representatives as appointed election officials could intimidate some voters. The presence of canvassers inside and outside polling stations in historically sensitive constituencies clearly affected voters' freedom of choice. In many cases, ANFREL confirmed reports of money and intimidation being used as a means to influence voters.

ANFREL recommends that while broad-based education has been carried out quite successfully by both the Thai government and private groups, even more concerted efforts may help address some of the problems mentioned above. For example, increased efforts to educate the voting public and officials about democracy may help the fight against political patronage. Officials also need more education and systematic training to ensure a consistent and fair voting process at the local level. More consistency and decisiveness in the conduct of the Electoral Commission at the national level will support people's faith in democratic balloting and reduce the chance that Thailand will be entrapped in repetitive elections."

Couldn't have put it better myself!

Please Prime Minister Stop the drugs! Pay the police! End animal abuse!

David Hardy, Suphat Mahawan, Wiyada Kantarod

Chiangmai and the North

My Chiangmai

David Hardy

Mountain People

The Hmong

That's the Spirit!

David Hardy

The Drinks Page

Night Fowl

Letters

Heart to Heart

MAMMOTHS NOT FOUND IN CHIANGMAI!

On-going debate on the reported presence of a whole herd of mammoths in south western Chiangmai province!.(...).

MISS THIPAPORN. I am 28 years old and single. I am only 155 cms tall and weigh 45kgs. I don’t smoke or drink alcohol. (...).

Click here to subscribe to the printed edition!