EC predicts 80% voter turnout at next election

 

FILE photo

 

BANGKOK, 8th June 2018 (NNT) – The Election Commission of Thailand expects to see a surge in voter turnout at the next general election. 

EC Chairman Supachai Somcharoen on Thursday attended a ceremony to mark the 20th anniversary of the Election Commission, during which he noted that it is now a crucial time for his team to prepare for the upcoming election while making sure that the polling is efficient, honest and fair. 

He explained the EC’s five strategies to help achieve such goals; Mr. Supachai said that the EC aims to see 80 percent of voters turnout and less than 2.0 percent of invalid ballots at the next general election. 

In addition, the EC will try to encourage the public to tackle vote-buying by setting up an inspection group in every province while stepping up a review of all election complaints. 

Meanwhile, EC Secretary-General Jarungwit Phumma added that the new laws governing political parties and the election will be instrumental in tackling election fraud, through new conditions to encourage the people to own political parties while all parties will be less concerned about campaigning because of the EC’s assistance, for instance.

 

-- nnt 2018-06-08

If that happens, surely Prayuth stands no chance at coming back as PM. We can always hope. 

I cant wait to see this prediction to happen as we have been waiting for it for 3 years, then 2 years and now 1 year. I guess I just don't understand Thai time or Thai democracy. 

Edited June 8, 20188 yr by Laughing Gravy

8 minutes ago, webfact said:

"......making sure that the polling is efficient, honest and fair". 

Wishful thinking on all counts by the Electoral Commission. Civil service administrative efficiency is a joke. Honesty in the civil service, likewise. Fairness by the junta, fat chance. 

And who will be counting the votes? Military personnel by any chance?

The high turnout seem to be in line with past turnouts after coups. The 2007 and 2010 election also have high mid 70% turnout. Both times, the anti democratic elements were crushed by the angry voices of the people. This time the turnout will be higher and the angry voices louder to give Prayut a resounding FO message.  

"....while all parties will be less concerned about campaigning ...."

 

Really? What gives him cause to say that?

33 minutes ago, Cadbury said:

Wishful thinking on all counts by the Electoral Commission. Civil service administrative efficiency is a joke. Honesty in the civil service, likewise. Fairness by the junta, fat chance. 

And who will be counting the votes? Military personnel by any chance?

Right! There is a famous saying: 'It is not the votes that count - but who counts the votes!'

What does Eric Clapton know about elections?

Splendid stuff!

 

Vote early..vote often.

12 minutes ago, Eligius said:

Right! There is a famous saying: 'It is not the votes that count - but who counts the votes!'

There is every chance the Junta Party will mobilise military transport to take people to the polls. Provided of course they vote for the incumbent self appointed PM.

He is so desperate to legitimize himself he will pull any stunt to win, legal or otherwise.

49 minutes ago, Cadbury said:

There is every chance the Junta Party will mobilise military transport to take people to the polls. Provided of course they vote for the incumbent self appointed PM.

He is so desperate to legitimize himself he will pull any stunt to win, legal or otherwise.

Why'd you go and give him that idea? 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

EC predicts 80% voter turnout at next election

With the "green" party winning outstanding "victory" by gaining  89% of total available voters.  ?

There will be votes in the boxes - that's for sure.

3 hours ago, Eric Loh said:

The high turnout seem to be in line with past turnouts after coups. The 2007 and 2010 election also have high mid 70% turnout. Both times, the anti democratic elements were crushed by the angry voices of the people. This time the turnout will be higher and the angry voices louder to give Prayut a resounding FO message.  

In more recent times, EC predicted a 80% turnout for the 2016 draft Constitution referendum. No complicated constituency party votes, 2 ballot system - just yes or no.

Actual turnout was 59% that probably better reflects the predicted turnout for the next election with all the new constraints in place by the junta. Including the junta's possible ban of the PTP for violation the Political Act that's currently being investigated. I do believe that should 80% be the turnout against odds, more of the "pro-peopl" parties (vs pro-military) will prevail in the election.

 

Voting ? Elections ? ....are these words still permitted to use in public without getting jailed or banned ?!

i cant see that there would still be 80% of thais still left in the country

4 hours ago, Dave67 said:

What does Eric Clapton know about elections?

He shot the sheriff!...……….but he didn't shoot the deputy!

5 hours ago, GarryP said:

If that happens, surely Prayuth stands no chance at coming back as PM. We can always hope. 

I think it depends on how many of those mercenary parties he has convinced to join him

 

Edited June 8, 20188 yr by robblok

1 hour ago, Srikcir said:

In more recent times, EC predicted a 80% turnout for the 2016 draft Constitution referendum. No complicated constituency party votes, 2 ballot system - just yes or no.

Actual turnout was 59% that probably better reflects the predicted turnout for the next election with all the new constraints in place by the junta. Including the junta's possible ban of the PTP for violation the Political Act that's currently being investigated. I do believe that should 80% be the turnout against odds, more of the "pro-peopl" parties (vs pro-military) will prevail in the election.

 

I too was expecting a bigger turnout for the referendum with the north and north east voters saying no. However threats and intimidation  results in many voters from north and north east not turning up. This election will be different and defining moment for voters to release their pent-up frustration and anger against the junta and their crony parties. This time their voices will be louder.