Thai EC Issues Social-Media Election Warning

[webfact]

EC issues social-media election warning

By Kornchanok Raksaseri

The Nation

Although each complaint will be considered on a case-by-case basis, the Election Commission has asked people to be careful not to violate election laws, especially through social media.

MP candidates and supporters are prohibited from posting messages to draw votes from 6pm on July 2, the day before the election, until the ballot is closed.

"The laws say 'anyone' who does this and fulfils the criteria for wrongdoing violates the laws, no matter if it's candidates or supporters," EC secretary-general Suthiphon Thaveechaiygarn said.

According to the law, election campaign banners and posters must be removed before the prohibited time. Social media complicate the issue.

Regarding a case in which a candidate sent out a Twitter message asking people to vote, Suthiphon said the candidate could merely be encouraging people to vote, but with his name on the Twitter account, he could be considered to be promoting himself.

However, no one filed a complaint last time so the EC did not consider such a case. EC member Visut Pothitaen said the intention of the deed would be investigated to decide whether the person violated the laws.

"It must be investigated whether the messages were posted with the intention to draw votes," he said.

The EC also reminded the media not to publicise opinion polls linked to the election result up to seven days before election day and until the ballot boxes close.

"Media programmes on political analysis should stick to professional standards and give a fair chance to political parties and MP candidates," Suthiphon said.

EC chairman Apichart Sukhagganond asked the media to help promote the election to set a new turnout record, beating 74.5 per cent, as in the 2007 election.

As well, voters must be reminded that the election laws have changed. They can vote for only candidate for each of the two ballot cards, he said.

The election system has been changed from multiple MPs per constituency to one MP per constituency. Making more than one mark on a ballot card would make it invalid.

-- The Nation 2011-05-12

[KKvampire]

hahaha, so are the Moderators on Thai Visa , going to be so scared that messages are "posted with the intention to draw votes,"they will be taken down for fear of legal action?

Just goes to show how crazy the laws are when trying to convince someone to vote with "words" on social media is an easy target , whereas "favors and monetary incentives" are ok because its so widespread making it impossible to prevent.

Edited May 12, 2011 by KKvampire

[rubl]

Social-Media can really be a pain in the podex. When supporters post nice, new video clips, does that constitute a breach of the Elections Laws? How about some of the older clips? What about 'doctored' clips?

[animatic]

MP candidates and supporters are prohibited from posting messages to draw votes from 6pm on July 2, the day before the election, until the ballot is closed.

So we get a day or two of relative silence.

Ahhhh.!

[otherstuff1957]

Will Thaksin stop Twittering? Somehow I don't think so.