Pressure mounts to allow foreign poll observers

[webfact]

Pressure mounts to allow foreign poll observers

By THE NATION 
 

file photo

 

ACTIVISTS, PARTIES SAY OVERSEAS ELECTION MONITORS WOULD ENSURE TRANSPARENCY, SAFEGUARD COUNTRY’S REPUTATION

CIVIL-SOCIETY groups and political parties yesterday called for foreign observers to monitor the general election scheduled for February to make sure it meets international standards for fairness and transparency.

 

The call in unison came in response to Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai’s recent statement that foreign election observers were not needed and their presence would only suggest that the election might be problematical.

 

Don said on Sunday that developed countries including Japan and Singapore did not have foreign observers monitoring their national elections.

 

Pongsak Chan-on, Thailand coordinator for the Asian Network of Free Elections, said yesterday that the presence of observers would enhance the credibility of the Thai election process. 

 

It was especially necessary if the ruling junta wanted to show its sincerity in allowing a free vote, he said. 

 

“This election is the first to take place after a coup, so we need to be transparent about whether it’s free and fair,” Pongsak said. “Foreign observers would also help build confidence among the international community and investors. If they are to trust in Thailand, they need to see how the election unfolds.”

 

He said his network had already asked Thailand’s Election Commission to let its representations serve as observers during the polling in February. A response was awaited.

 

Chaturon Chaisang, a leader of the Thai Raksa Chart Party, tweeted yesterday that foreign observers were needed because Thailand was one of the few countries run by a military junta.

 

Free and fair?

 

“Many countries don’t need the observation because they are fully democratic,” he wrote. “But we are ruled by a military-led government and there are signs that the election will not be free and fair.” 

 

Democrat Party deputy spokesperson Siripa Intravichien similarly said yesterday that no democratic countries should fear foreign election observers.

 

She asked whether the junta had something to hide. If not, she said, it should welcome poll monitors from overseas.

 

Likewise, Chart Thai Pattana Party leader Kanchana Silpa-archa said yesterday that Thailand was a member of the international community and as such needed international recognition. 

 

“The election should be accepted as much as possible and should have as few as possible problems,” she said. “I root for international organisations to observe the poll to make sure that we are well accepted.”

 

EC secretary-general Jarungvith Phumma remained reluctant yesterday to endorse the involvement of foreign observers despite concerns that the junta might be interfering in the election process.

 

Although he admitted that inviting foreign monitors would be positive for the country’s image overseas, Jarungvith said his agency had to consider policy directives before making a decision to do so.

 

He added, however, that if contacted by foreign observers, the commission would consider their requests.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30360628

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-12-18

[neeray]

observers would enhance the credibility of the Thai election process.  

 

It was especially necessary if the ruling junta wanted to show its sincerity in allowing a free vote, he said. 

 

With so much distrust apparent, and it being felt by many that the junta has already stacked the deck in their favour, international observers are a must.

Without that, the results will never be accepted by the masses.

This is a great opportunity for the junta to prove (or not) their legitimacy.

[darksidedog]

36 minutes ago, webfact said:

Don said on Sunday that developed countries including Japan and Singapore did not have foreign observers monitoring their national elections.

Yes, but Thailand is not a developed country is it?

36 minutes ago, webfact said:

Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai’s recent statement that foreign election observers were not needed and their presence would only suggest that the election might be problematical.

Problematical? To me, that means they intend to cheat, making it even more important to have the observers.

As everyone else apart from the Junta are making very clear, there can only be on reason why international observers are not wanted, which is it is going to be dishonest and far from free and fair. Might as well cancel the election right now, as the way it stands, the results are probably printed out already.

[sammieuk1]

The junta is already open and transparent and even enlist the dead when necessary for verification ????

[spidermike007]

The real searing question at this point has to be - Is the junta sincere about a free and transparent election process? Allowing international monitors would go a long way toward establishing that sincerity. Not allowing them will go a long way toward solidifying the belief, in many minds, that they have no intention of giving up power, and the incredible wealth that goes along with that power. This administration is corrupt, incompetent, and lacking vision, qualities of leadership, or any sympathy toward the common man here. They must go. Get out. Get out now. You are despised. You are not wanted. You are not needed. Nobody likes you. Nobody. You are way, way, way past your sell by date. You have expired! 

[AGareth2]

but how will they rig the result with foreign observers?

[kingstonkid]

There is a way to have the foreign observers and actually, it would not cost a lot nor would they have to look far.

 

many of us that are retired EXPATS really have no dog in the fight.  So why not take the list of retired people and ask for volunteers.

 

I for one would be quite happy to watch what happens and actually be able to participate in the election.  After all, it is just as important to us as it is to the Thais that the election runs well.

 

I would imagine that there have to be a few of us that have been part of the election process in our own countries.

 

 

 

[Destiny1990]

They needed foreigners for the cave rescue so why not for this? oh well what do i even care.

 

Never heard how observers are being problematic.

[yellowboat]

The junta is in a corner.  Their collective skin is not thick enough for ridicule from the outside, and they will most likely ignite discontent at home.  Should the junta win, few will believe it without a trusted third part observer.   Thais are patient and passive to a point then they become full of rage. 

 

[metempsychotic]

Just now, kingstonkid said:

There is a way to have the foreign observers and actually, it would not cost a lot nor would they have to look far.

 

many of us that are retired EXPATS really have no dog in the fight.  So why not take the list of retired people and ask for volunteers.

 

I for one would be quite happy to watch what happens and actually be able to participate in the election.  After all, it is just as important to us as it is to the Thais that the election runs well.

 

I would imagine that there have to be a few of us that have been part of the election process in our own countries.

 

 

 

Erm.... No. 

[whaleboneman]

3 hours ago, AGareth2 said:

but how will they rig the result with foreign observers?

Send then to a soapie 

[Lupatria]

4 hours ago, AGareth2 said:

but how will they rig the result with foreign observers?

With a little help from their friends in China, North Korea, and Zimbabwe whose observers already sit on packed suitcases? 

[Jimbo in Thailand]

1 hour ago, yellowboat said:

Should the junta win...

????????????????????????????????????  Sorry for laughing so hard yellowboat but we all know there's only one possible outcome for this upcoming sham of a 'pol'... foreign observers, or not.  And since the locals have proven themselves to be comatose and/or completely brain dead for over 4 1/2 years I doubt there will be much, if any, negative reaction when Fearless Leader P gleefully announces his landslide victory a couple of months after the vote.  I hope I'm proven wrong, but don't bet on it.

[RichardColeman]

I wonder if the emabassys of the world based in Thailand will look harder at visas to their countries if it is declared 'dodgy' ? Fearing a mass exodus and rise in claims of asylum.

[unblocktheplanet]

Did he really compare Thailand with Japan & Singapore?!?

[Burma Bill]

quote: "Don said on Sunday that developed countries including Japan and Singapore did not have foreign observers monitoring their national elections".

 

No, because both are truly "democratic' nations without the military looking over their shoulders!

[marcusarelus]

5 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

quote: "Don said on Sunday that developed countries including Japan and Singapore did not have foreign observers monitoring their national elections".

 

No, because both are truly "democratic' nations without the military looking over their shoulders!

Singapore?  ????

[zzaa09]

15 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

quote: "Don said on Sunday that developed countries including Japan and Singapore did not have foreign observers monitoring their national elections".

 

No, because both are truly "democratic' nations without the military looking over their shoulders!

Oh dear...

Don't you mean both are vassal states, respectively...?

[marqus12]

4 hours ago, kingstonkid said:

There is a way to have the foreign observers and actually, it would not cost a lot nor would they have to look far.

 

many of us that are retired EXPATS really have no dog in the fight.  So why not take the list of retired people and ask for volunteers.

 

I for one would be quite happy to watch what happens and actually be able to participate in the election.  After all, it is just as important to us as it is to the Thais that the election runs well.

 

I would imagine that there have to be a few of us that have been part of the election process in our own countries.

 

 

 

pensioners are broke so they will be easy to bribe ????

[ChrisY1]

Would not surprise me to see election observers here for the election....they may well use the same international observation group that "oversaw" the recent Cambodian election farce..

[Eric Loh]

1 hour ago, marcusarelus said:

Singapore?  ????

They do have election and electorate free to vote lest you don’t know. 

[Srikcir]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

developed countries including Japan and Singapore did not have foreign observers monitoring their national elections.

Certainly not since their last military coup.

[CLW]

No international observers + plus landslide win for the junta, then there will be chaos if not riots.
I would bet for that.

[Srikcir]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

Jarungvith said his agency had to consider policy directives before making a decision to do so.

In other words:

Jarungvith said his agency had to consider NCPO policies before making a decision to do so.

[chama]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

“Many countries don’t need the observation because they are fully democratic,” he wrote. “But we are ruled by a military-led government and there are signs that the election will not be free and fair.” 

Uh-oh, someones paying attention! Wonder what percentage of the population is also aware that there is a junta planned hijacking? 

[Artisi]

7 hours ago, Destiny1990 said:

They needed foreigners for the cave rescue so why not for this? oh well what do i even care.

 

Never heard how observers are being problematic.

Only problematic to a (dodgy) outcome, otherwise a waste of time as the result is already assured.

[connda]

11 hours ago, webfact said:

“Many countries don’t need the observation because they are fully democratic,”

Like the US?  Like Florida? 

[madmen]

The real searing question at this point has to be - Is the junta sincere about a free and transparent election process? Allowing international monitors would go a long way toward establishing that sincerity. Not allowing them will go a long way toward solidifying the belief, in many minds, that they have no intention of giving up power, and the incredible wealth that goes along with that power. This administration is corrupt, incompetent, and lacking vision, qualities of leadership, or any sympathy toward the common man here. They must go. Get out. Get out now. You are despised. You are not wanted. You are not needed. Nobody likes you. Nobody. You are way, way, way past your sell by date. You have expired! 

Not according to the thai people. Surely the message is crystal clear through 4 years of inaction!!

[spidermike007]

2 hours ago, connda said:

Like the US?  Like Florida? 

 

To refer to the US as fully democratic is a very quaint and naive notion. Sure we have elections. But even when the majority of the population votes, it is cancelled out by a silly, ridiculous, outdated, and bizarre entity called the electoral college, in two out of the past five presidential elections. I fear the US is becoming less of a democracy by the day. 

[quandow]

This bears repeating: