Thailand's Red Shirt UDD Wants To Set Up Election Watchdog Group

[webfact]

UDD wants to set up election watchdog group

BANGKOK, 2 June 2011 (NNT) – The United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) has planned to set up its election watchdog group in order to make sure that the election in 90,000 polling stations throughout the country is carried out transparently.

Acting UDD Chairperson Thida Thavornsret said the UDD wants to see a fair and corruption-free election. She announced that some UDD key figures on Thursday at 10.00 hrs will travel to the Election Commission (EC) to seek clarification on some irregularities alleged to have been in progress ahead of the upcoming election.

The chairperson pointed out some irregularities were found in the election preparations such as the excess number of printed ballots. She also questioned the EC for its lack of adequate public relations regarding the advance voting.

Moreover, Ms Thida continued that the UDD will ask the EC about the agency's plan to transport ballot boxes and to count votes, as well as call for the EC to take action against the partiality of some state-run news agencies given they have been publicizing biased information and attacking some political parties.

The chairperson added that the group will seek permission from the EC to send its observers to all polling stations to ensure that the election is fair and corruption-free. She also announced that the UDD will establish press centres in Bangkok and other regions to monitor the July 3 election.

-- NNT 2011-06-02

[timekeeper]

''poacher turned gamekeeper'' and ''the fox minding the chickens'' springs immediately to mind...........

Edited June 2, 2011 by timekeeper

[timekeeper]

will the red representatives be dressed in black and carry AK47's ?

[pedro01]

So we'll have red shirts at all polling stations keeping things 'fair'?

Marvellous idea.

[princejohnjay]

I sense many problems coming up with this election...Good luck Thailand

[timekeeper]

she says the reds want to send an observer to all 90,000 polling stations

my question is, where will they find 90,000 red people to do that?

[timekeeper]

So we'll have red shirts at all polling stations keeping things 'fair'?

Marvellous idea.

the red observers are all being issued with huge lunchboxes donated by Thaksin.............

[DP25]

These guys really are the best trolls ever

[mrtoad]

she says the reds want to send an observer to all 90,000 polling stations

my question is, where will they find 90,000 red people to do that?

The only reason they want to "observe" is so they can intimidate voters officially.

[timekeeper]

she says the reds want to send an observer to all 90,000 polling stations

my question is, where will they find 90,000 red people to do that?

The only reason they want to "observe" is so they can intimidate voters officially.

its probably better to be officially intimidated than unofficially intimidated...........its more official

[princejohnjay]

she says the reds want to send an observer to all 90,000 polling stations

my question is, where will they find 90,000 red people to do that?

Of course they have more than 90,000...a one day job opportunity i guess...

[mrtoad]

she says the reds want to send an observer to all 90,000 polling stations

my question is, where will they find 90,000 red people to do that?

The only reason they want to "observe" is so they can intimidate voters officially.

its probably better to be officially intimidated than unofficially intimidated...........its more official

Probably get the usual 500 baht a day for that as well

[timekeeper]

she says the reds want to send an observer to all 90,000 polling stations

my question is, where will they find 90,000 red people to do that?

Of course they have more than 90,000...a one day job opportunity i guess...

the usual terms of employment?

500 baht a day, bring your own weapons and 1 litre of petrol?

[elliss]

she says the reds want to send an observer to all 90,000 polling stations

my question is, where will they find 90,000 red people to do that?

issan

[timekeeper]

she says the reds want to send an observer to all 90,000 polling stations

my question is, where will they find 90,000 red people to do that?

The only reason they want to "observe" is so they can intimidate voters officially.

its probably better to be officially intimidated than unofficially intimidated...........its more official

Probably get the usual 500 baht a day for that as well

maybe more if you have been trained in a mercenary camp in Cambodia.........

[timekeeper]

timekeeper said:

she says the reds want to send an observer to all 90,000 polling stations

my question is, where will they find 90,000 red people to do that?

elliss said:

issan

timekeeper said:

Nissan?

do you think they could spare them?

[Insight]

From what we've heard before about teaching at the "schools" these red shirts attend run by Thida & co, any vote not for Thaksin is a vote against democracy.

This will be intimidation, and nothing else.

[bungalownights]

The fear and paranoia from the anti-thaksins over a looming PT victory is almost palpable

[timekeeper]

The fear and paranoia from the anti-thaksins over a looming PT victory is almost palpable

do lighten up bungalow

install this sense of humour program, it may help.......

[bungalownights]

Dont worry, i am most certainly having a good old laugh .... at the vocal minority of anti-thaksin posters on here that is, squirming in their seats at how things are unfolding.

some are cracking nervous lame jokes to take their mind off reality, others are bristling with paranoia and fear, and another type seems to be just posting the same old, tired, broken record anti-thaksin mantras they have mindlessly been touting for the last few years... only this time with a more hysterical edge. its really quite an exhibit !

ahhh.... its certainally going to be a rough ride for you lot over the next few months.

[samurai]

It is their constitutional right to do so.

They are of course not allowed to campaign on election day or to follow voters into the booth, but they can observe the process at the polling station and the counting of votes.

Translation

ORGANIC ACT ON

THE ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF

REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS, B.E. 2541 (1998)

...

Part 7

Polling

Section 52. On the election day, the polling shall commence from 8.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.

Section 53. Before casting of vote is commenced, the committee of a polling station shall count the total number of the ballot papers of such station and shall post up a notice of the total number of the ballot papers at the conspicuous place. When the polling is commenced, the committee of a polling station shall publicly open the ballot box for the voters present at the polling place to see that the ballot box is empty and shall then close the ballot box in accordance with the procedure prescribed by the Election Commission and shall record such proceedings by having not less than two voters present at the polling place at that time to affix their signatures thereto except no voter present at that time.

Section 54. During polling hours, a voter who intends to poll shall identify himself or herself to the committee of a polling station by producing the identity card, the expired identity card or any other official card or evidence having a photograph which can identify himself or herself in accordance with the procedure prescribed by the Election Commission and published in the Government Gazette.

When the committee of a polling station has examined the name in the voter roll, the committee shall read the name and address of such person loudly. If no voter, candidate or person raises an objection, the committee shall remark it in the voter roll by noting the card number and the issuing place thereof and shall order the voter to sign or take fingerprint in the voter roll as evidence in accordance with the procedure prescribed by the Election Commission. Then the committee of a polling station shall give the ballot paper to such person for voting.

In the case where there is an objector or a member of the committee of a polling station suspects that the voter present is not a person named in the voter roll, the committee shall have power to investigate and make a decision whether the person being objected or suspected is a person named in the voter roll. And in the case where the committee of a polling station passes a decision that the person being objected or suspected is not a person named in the voter roll, the committee shall record such decision and sign their names thereon.

...

Section 65. When the closing time of the polling is reached, the committee of a polling station shall announce the closing of the polling and stop to distribute any ballot paper and shall mark the remaining ballot papers as useless in accordance with the procedure prescribed by the Election Commission. When the remaining person or persons present and receiving the ballot papers within the time of polling in the polling station has or have already cast votes, the committee of a polling station shall seal the slot to insert the ballot papers of the ballot box.

The committee of a polling station shall prepare a statement concerning the total number of ballot papers, the number of persons present and receiving ballot papers, and the number of the remaining ballot papers and the statement shall be signed by every member of the committee performs the duties at that time and then announce it to the voters present at such place.

...

Part 8

The Counting of Votes and the Announcement of the Result of an Election

Section 69. For the purpose that the counting of votes shall be carried out openly and fairly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, the Election Commission shall prescribe in the Government Gazette the vote-counting procedure which must contain the followings:

...

(4) procedure to arrange the place for counting of votes and to read the casting of votes in the ballot papers which must be done publicly so as to allow the persons presenting in the place for counting of votes to see the proceedings conveniently

...

http://www.ect.go.th/newweb/Files/electoral/Organic%20law%20on%20the%20Election%20of%20Members%20of%20the%20HRs%20and%20Senators3.doc

doc file at the EC website

here are some points what is not allowed

Part 6

Electoral Expenditure and Means of Election Campaigns

Section 44. No candidate nor any person shall commit any act to induce a voter to cast a vote for him or her or other candidate or any political party or to abstain from voting for any candidate or political party by the following means:

(1) providing, giving, offering, promising to give or preparing to give properties or any other benefits which can be calculated in money value to any person;

(2) giving, offering or promising to give money, properties or any other benefits whether directly or indirectly to a community, association, foundation, temple, education institution, asylum or any other institution;

(3) campaigning for an election by organizing an entertainment or other fair;

(4) treating or promising to treat any person;

(5) cheating, compelling, threatening, using influence to slandering or inducing the misunderstanding in the popular vote of any candidate or political party.

Section 45. No person shall provide the vehicle to bring a voter to a polling place for an election or to take a voter back from a polling place or to arrange for taking a voter to or from a polling place without paying normal fares or wages, to induce or control the voter to cast a vote for any candidate or political party.

The provisions in paragraph one shall not apply in the case where the vehicle is provided by a State agency to facilitate a voter or voters.

Section 46. No person not being of Thai nationality shall support an election campaign or commit any act for the benefit of an election in such a manner of being favorable or disfavorable to any candidate or political party except such act is committed to assist the government or committed in good faith in an ordinary course of business of such person.

Section 47. No State official shall, by exercising the function unlawfully, commit any act to be favorable or disfavorable to a candidate or a political party.

The unlawful exercise of function under paragraph one shall not include the performance of duty in an ordinary course of position of such State official or the advice or the assistance in an election of a candidate or a political party which is not relevant to the performance of duties, regardless of whether such act may be favorable or disfavorable to any candidate or political party.

...

Section 48. No person shall make an election campaign by any means, whether it may be favorable or disfavorable to any candidate or political party, from 6:00 p.m. of the day before the election day to the end of the election day.

[mrtoad]

Probably not going to make a difference to how I live Bungalow, but I do have some concerns as to how this will pan out over the coming months, and what will happen with a return to a Thaksin led government. Were you living here back in the days of Thaksin?

My main concerns are for my family, particularly my daughter as this is her country. I don't care much for any of the political parties, but I really don't believe a return to Thaksin is the way forward. Sadly, the country remains deeply divided at present, and there is little chance of there being a period of calm, whatever way the election turns out.

[Ricardo]

So we'll have red shirts at all polling stations keeping things 'fair'?

Marvellous idea.

"true democracy" strikes again !

Doesn't Khun Thida realise, that some non-Reds might be just a tad intimidated, to see a Red-Shirt watching their every move, as they come to cast their votes ? Does she not remember that non-secret balloting has been a problem in previous elections ? Can she not just support the EC in their efforts to try to raise political-standards, they've banned cheating-MPs from several parties, they deserve support & encouragement from anyone who really wants to see a fairer system here.

But perhaps that's why she sees a need to try to pressure them, wouldn't want them to do their jobs too well, now that some of her colleagues are standing under the Pheu Thai banner, would they ?

Personally, I'd welcome international-monitors, but do understand that this is about as likely as DL returning to serve his time !

[RickBradford]

If the election comes down to who is running the more interesting campaign, then Thaksin Inc. is going to win hands down.

All day here (poor area of Bangkok) there are trucks cruising the streets full of dancing dudes and loud music -- no policies, of course -- and they are receiving an enthusiastic reception.

[scorecard]

Will all 90,000 be well briefed about what to look for and what not to do. Somehow doubt it.

In fact there's some risk that some over their overzealous red members will get too close to the action / says something, etc., which backfires on them.

[jdinasia]

Dont worry, i am most certainly having a good old laugh .... at the vocal minority of anti-thaksin posters on here that is, squirming in their seats at how things are unfolding.

some are cracking nervous lame jokes to take their mind off reality, others are bristling with paranoia and fear, and another type seems to be just posting the same old, tired, broken record anti-thaksin mantras they have mindlessly been touting for the last few years... only this time with a more hysterical edge. its really quite an exhibit !

ahhh.... its certainally going to be a rough ride for you lot over the next few months.

You are starting to sound suspiciously similar to someone else ....

The nice thing is that you keep making remarks like the above to confirm it.

[jdinasia]

Will all 90,000 be well briefed about what to look for and what not to do. Somehow doubt it.

In fact there's some risk that some over their overzealous red members will get too close to the action / says something, etc., which backfires on them.

The deeper they set themselves up with the UDD leaders on the PTP party-list, and the threats from Thaksin, and now this added to the probability of a perjury charge (and conviction) against the PTP #1 party-list candidate .... It won't take any "activism" from the courts to see PTP disbanded.

[slapout]

Dont worry, i am most certainly having a good old laugh .... at the vocal minority of anti-thaksin posters on here that is, squirming in their seats at how things are unfolding.

some are cracking nervous lame jokes to take their mind off reality, others are bristling with paranoia and fear, and another type seems to be just posting the same old, tired, broken record anti-thaksin mantras they have mindlessly been touting for the last few years... only this time with a more hysterical edge. its really quite an exhibit !

ahhh.... its certainally going to be a rough ride for you lot over the next few months.

You are starting to sound suspiciously similar to someone else ....

The nice thing is that you keep making remarks like the above to confirm it.

The rough ride comment could be construed as a threat to some of the cowboys. I hope they send 4 or 5 to each polling place, far away from where they are registered to vote. Another well thought plan, girl.

[rubl]

The UDD may set up a watchdog group. It's status will be 'none'. Similar when the PAD would set up such a watchdog.

Only official political parties have a right (by law) to sent ONE observer per polling station. Not clear to me if the person needs to be a party member, or just appointed by a party. With 34/35 parties registered that makes things interesting. All 'observers' are entitled to THB 1000 a day for their effort.

By law no one may take pictures or videos INSIDE a polling station, probably to prevent someone puts pressure on voters. Yesterday I read that Ms. Thida said the UDD would next week set up a distance-learning school to inform people about election fraud techniques and how to prevent them, via its television channel Asia Update. Funny that they seem to know all about election fraud techniques.

Is it that they are really worried about irregularities, or do they just want to make sure they win ?

Edited June 2, 2011 by rubl

[Insight]

If the election comes down to who is running the more interesting campaign, then Thaksin Inc. is going to win hands down.

All day here (poor area of Bangkok) there are trucks cruising the streets full of dancing dudes and loud music -- no policies, of course -- and they are receiving an enthusiastic reception.

Are the ppl living in the area registered to vote in BKK or up country? No doubt the shows has helped secure their votes, but it's also significant where the votes are secured.