Poll Watchdog Raises Thai Vote-Buying Fears

[webfact]

Poll watchdog raises Thai vote-buying fears

BANGKOK (AFP) - Vote-buying is a concern in Thailand's upcoming national election, an international monitoring group that will be observing the polls said Monday.

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) is deploying about 60 observers nationwide for the July 3 vote, the first since Thailand's deadliest political unrest in decades last year.

Although Thailand officially bars monitors from operating inside polling stations, ANFREL has been allowed to work in the country and this will be the group's fourth Thai election observation mission.

"Of course the concern is slightly increased from the previous election observation concerns," mission director Ichal Supriadi told a press conference in Bangkok, mentioning impartiality and vote-buying as particular worries.

"Vote-buying in Thailand is much more advanced compared to other countries," he said.

ANFREL observers of the last Thai election in 2007 highlighted "vote buying by political parties, electoral violence, intimidation, and disputed impartiality of polling officials," a statement from the group said.

"Having those recent political developments in mind, ANFREL is concerned about the campaign strategies of political candidates, the improper use of money in politics, and possible violence."

Thailand remains deeply politically fractured a year on from street violence that left more than 90 people dead and about 1,900 wounded in clashes between opposition protesters and armed forces.

The upcoming vote is set to be a close fight pitting Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's establishment-backed Democrat Party against allies of fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup.

Thaksin's youngest sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, is the main opposition Puea Thai party's candidate for premier.

Parties linked to Thaksin have won the most seats in the past four elections, but the results of the last two were reversed by the courts, and observers say history could repeat itself if Yingluck's party triumphs.

"The acceptance of democratically achieved election results by both political parties and voters will be of importance to ensure the integrity of the process," ANFREL said.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-06-07

[bdenner]

"Vote-buying in Thailand is much more advanced compared to other countries," he said.

AND advanced it is! Don't they know it's already started.

[webfact]

Vote may not heal deep divisions, monitor warns

By PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK

THE NATION

It may be premature to expect national reconciliation after the July 3 general election, because of the deep political divisions that have formed over the past five years, an election-monitoring chief said yesterday.

"The election may settle the matter up to a certain level, but whether it will bring about reconciliation is a long-term issue because the [political] conflict is deeper than necessary and perhaps it [reconciliation] may be achieved only after another election" after this one, said the director of the Bangkok-based Asian Network for Free Elections (Anfrel), Somsri Han-anantasuk.

Somsri, whose organisation will begin sending part of its 60-strong team of election observers from 24 Asian countries into the field today, urged the public of all political colours to accept the result of the election, if it is free and fair.

However, she said that complaints about alleged electoral irregularities must not be restricted and that disqualification or penalties given to some candidates by the Election Commission must be accepted.

She spoke guardedly about concerns that some parties might oppose the outcome of the election.

Running another poll "is expensive and would affect the image of Thailand. We must begin from some point, otherwise we will end up trapped in a cycle."

Somsri told The Nation she was concerned about the risk of violence, such as the killing of political canvassers, which she predicts will become more acute a week or two before the election. She also said candidates must not be harassed by opponents, because this would lead to an inability to campaign freely. Vote buying will still exist, but it is becoming more and more difficult to pin politicians down, she said.

Somsri expressed concern that the deployment of troops to engage in the suppression of drugs in many areas could become "problematic" if the objective was more than just that.

Red shirts and the Pheu Thai Party have claimed soldiers are being sent to some areas to harass opposition candidates and voters, a charge the Army has denied.

On the "no vote" campaign by the People's Alliance for Democracy, she said the PAD had the right to campaign and put up posters, although the use of pictures of animals in reference to politicians was "unfair and too extreme" and that Thai society would view this as "insulting".

-- The Nation 2011-06-07

[fatfather]

How it can be legal to campaign for "no vote" if in a democracy voting is civic duty? Not voting, or making a vote invalid, supports the minority parties because of a shift in the value of the valid votes. Not a really brainy campaign.

fatfather

[anotheruser]

In a true democracy as far as I know, it isn't obligatory to vote.

[whybother]

In a true democracy as far as I know, it isn't obligatory to vote.

Find an example of a true democracy, and then we'll see whether they have compulsory voting.

Given the current space travel technologies, you might be hard pressed to find an example of a true democracy.

[slapout]

The red shirts mentioned 90,000 or their group monitoring the 90,000 polling venues. What do 60 observers from the "free elections" group hope to accomplish? Some rate Thailand as a Developing Nation, others a third world country, others refer to her as the hillbilly/bumpkin nation. When its comes to political behavior/governing bodies, etc this system is fast approaching the despot countries of the world, way of doing things.

[OzMick]

In a true democracy as far as I know, it isn't obligatory to vote.

Find an example of a true democracy, and then we'll see whether they have compulsory voting.

Given the current space travel technologies, you might be hard pressed to find an example of a true democracy.

In Australia, ranked as one of if not the most democratic of countries, it is not compulsory to vote. It is however, compulsory to attend a polling station, or arrange a postal vote.

[jonclark]

The red shirts mentioned 90,000 or their group monitoring the 90,000 polling venues. What do 60 observers from the "free elections" group hope to accomplish? Some rate Thailand as a Developing Nation, others a third world country, others refer to her as the hillbilly/bumpkin nation. When its comes to political behavior/governing bodies, etc this system is fast approaching the despot countries of the world, way of doing things.

I think Thailand actually likes or enjoys having developing / 3rd world country status as it precludes resposnsibility for anything!

[anterian]

In most democratic countries it is compulsory to register, but not compulsory to vote.

[swerver]

The red shirts mentioned 90,000 or their group monitoring the 90,000 polling venues. What do 60 observers from the "free elections" group hope to accomplish? Some rate Thailand as a Developing Nation, others a third world country, others refer to her as the hillbilly/bumpkin nation. When its comes to political behavior/governing bodies, etc this system is fast approaching the despot countries of the world, way of doing things.

I think Thailand actually likes or enjoys having developing / 3rd world country status as it precludes resposnsibility for anything!

You hit the nail right on the head. - it precludes resposnsibility for anything -

[samurai]

In most democratic countries it is compulsory to register, but not compulsory to vote.

What countries are these " most democratic countries"?

[samurai]

In Australia, ranked as one of if not the most democratic of countries, it is not compulsory to vote. It is however, compulsory to attend a polling station, or arrange a postal vote.

What ranking? Who did that ranking?

[PingManDan]

Vote buying OH NO NOT IN THAILAND , nothing under the table here, all is well LOL LOL LOL What a frigging joke, corruption is here

[OzMick]

In Australia, ranked as one of if not the most democratic of countries, it is not compulsory to vote. It is however, compulsory to attend a polling station, or arrange a postal vote.

What ranking? Who did that ranking?

This ranking by them! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy_Index Google is your friend!

[samurai]

In Australia, ranked as one of if not the most democratic of countries, it is not compulsory to vote. It is however, compulsory to attend a polling station, or arrange a postal vote.

What ranking? Who did that ranking?

This ranking by them! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy_Index Google is your friend!

Australia is not TOP 1 in that ranking.

The wikipedia entry on Compulsory voting has Australia on the list of countries that enforces compulsory voting

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compulsory_voting

Other countries from the Top in the Democracy Index don't have compulsory voting.

So compulsory or not says nothing about democracy.

[hellodolly]

Vote buying OH NO NOT IN THAILAND , nothing under the table here, all is well LOL LOL LOL What a frigging joke, corruption is here

Any chance of you supplying us with a list of countries where there is no corruption? All so suply us with the proof that these countries have no corruption.

Vote buying will go on inside all the parties and will in all likely hood cancel each other out.

The Puea Thai will be buying votes in the North East where they would win the election anyhow. I most assuredly do not condone vote buying but I do not believe it will have any effect on the out come of the election.As always just my opinion.

[OZEMADE]

In Australia, ranked as one of if not the most democratic of countries, it is not compulsory to vote. It is however, compulsory to attend a polling station, or arrange a postal vote.

What ranking? Who did that ranking?

This ranking by them! http://en.wikipedia....Democracy_Index Google is your friend!

Australia is not TOP 1 in that ranking.

The wikipedia entry on Compulsory voting has Australia on the list of countries that enforces compulsory voting

http://en.wikipedia....mpulsory_voting

Other countries from the Top in the Democracy Index don't have compulsory voting.

So compulsory or not says nothing about democracy.

All Australian Citizens over the age of 18 must be registered to vote. The only exceptions in Australia are those people that have been convicted of a serious crime and are mentally ill. All Australian citizens who do not vote on Election Day will be fined unless you can prove you were unable to attend a voting booth through being ill or were incapable of voting on Election Day, your fine will be waived.

Compulsory voting was adopted in the Commonwealth of Australia in 1924. Elections are held on Saturdays and persons eligible for voting, can vote at pre poll voting stations or via mail.

You vote in Australia in a secret ballot. Your name is crossed off the register, you are handed the voting or ballot papers and after making your mark or not making your mark they are placed into the sealed voting boxes.

Edited June 9, 2011 by OZEMADE

[ianbaggie]

In Australia, ranked as one of if not the most democratic of countries, it is not compulsory to vote. It is however, compulsory to attend a polling station, or arrange a postal vote.

What ranking? Who did that ranking?

This ranking by them! http://en.wikipedia....Democracy_Index Google is your friend!

Australia is not TOP 1 in that ranking.

The wikipedia entry on Compulsory voting has Australia on the list of countries that enforces compulsory voting

http://en.wikipedia....mpulsory_voting

Other countries from the Top in the Democracy Index don't have compulsory voting.

So compulsory or not says nothing about democracy.

"compulsory (compulsary) or not says nothing about democracy" - what a statement!! choosing whether or not you choose to vote is a democratic right - the obvious example is Britain where the parliamentary system used in many countries originated. There is no law that says you have to vote, there is no country that says you have to register to vote. You dont legally have to be on the "electoral roll" either. So your statement "so compulsory or not says nothing about democracy" is utter piffle - in despot, fascist countries there is MORE of a compulsary tendency to vote - excample of this - Iran.

[ianbaggie]

Vote buying OH NO NOT IN THAILAND , nothing under the table here, all is well LOL LOL LOL What a frigging joke, corruption is here

Any chance of you supplying us with a list of countries where there is no corruption? All so suply us with the proof that these countries have no corruption.

Vote buying will go on inside all the parties and will in all likely hood cancel each other out.

The Puea Thai will be buying votes in the North East where they would win the election anyhow. I most assuredly do not condone vote buying but I do not believe it will have any effect on the out come of the election.As always just my opinion.

By accepting anything you condone it. Thailand is noticeably more corrupt than any other of the 35 countries Ive visited, including Saudi and Egypt. Ive never been stopped and asked for money by a policeman blatantly in the open before - not even in Mexico. You dont need to ask for pasted quotes for this one - you need to open your eyes and accept what you see!!

[OZEMADE]

ianbaggie, you are wrong. In Australia it is compulsary to vote for all Australian citizens that have attained the age of 18.

http://www.aec.gov.a...g_australia.htm

Edited June 9, 2011 by OZEMADE

[samurai]

This ranking by them! http://en.wikipedia....Democracy_Index Google is your friend!

Australia is not TOP 1 in that ranking.

The wikipedia entry on Compulsory voting has Australia on the list of countries that enforces compulsory voting

http://en.wikipedia....mpulsory_voting

Other countries from the Top in the Democracy Index don't have compulsory voting.

So compulsory or not says nothing about democracy.

"compulsory (compulsary) or not says nothing about democracy" - what a statement!! choosing whether or not you choose to vote is a democratic right - the obvious example is Britain where the parliamentary system used in many countries originated. There is no law that says you have to vote, there is no country that says you have to register to vote. You dont legally have to be on the "electoral roll" either. So your statement "so compulsory or not says nothing about democracy" is utter piffle - in despot, fascist countries there is MORE of a compulsary tendency to vote - excample of this - Iran.

Tell that to the people who listed Australia under the Category 'Full Democracy'. Some even claim Australia is the most democratic country.

Edited June 9, 2011 by samurai

[OZEMADE]

This ranking by them! http://en.wikipedia....Democracy_Index Google is your friend!

Australia is not TOP 1 in that ranking.

The wikipedia entry on Compulsory voting has Australia on the list of countries that enforces compulsory voting

http://en.wikipedia....mpulsory_voting

Other countries from the Top in the Democracy Index don't have compulsory voting.

So compulsory or not says nothing about democracy.

"compulsory (compulsary) or not says nothing about democracy" - what a statement!! choosing whether or not you choose to vote is a democratic right - the obvious example is Britain where the parliamentary system used in many countries originated. There is no law that says you have to vote, there is no country that says you have to register to vote. You dont legally have to be on the "electoral roll" either. So your statement "so compulsory or not says nothing about democracy" is utter piffle - in despot, fascist countries there is MORE of a compulsary tendency to vote - excample of this - Iran.

Tell that to the people who listed Australia under the Category 'Full Democracy'. Some even claim Australia is the most democratic of country.

I think you will find that they say, I quote "One of the most well-known compulsory voting systems is in Australia".

[ginjag]

The red shirts mentioned 90,000 or their group monitoring the 90,000 polling venues. What do 60 observers from the "free elections" group hope to accomplish? Some rate Thailand as a Developing Nation, others a third world country, others refer to her as the hillbilly/bumpkin nation. When its comes to political behavior/governing bodies, etc this system is fast approaching the despot countries of the world, way of doing things.

You must not forget there will be 1 policeman there per station, He will have to be alert for 12hours +--that will deter any problems

[samurai]

Tell that to the people who listed Australia under the Category 'Full Democracy'. Some even claim Australia is the most democratic of country.

I think you will find that they say, I quote "One of the most well-known compulsory voting systems is in Australia".

I think you said: I had the other OZnick in mind.

In Australia, ranked as one of if not the most democratic of countries, it is not compulsory to vote.

Edit: Got confused by different OZnicks. Sorry.

Edited June 9, 2011 by samurai

[slapout]

I have noticed in the past couple of days that reports of campaign flyers being handed out with bills attached, people receiving money for attending a political function after the fact. Those whose pamphlets and functions were suspect, have said, "it is those who are trying to discredit, get our party banned, who are behind this". Those pesky hidden forces, cannot be named, are being pointed at. This election may set the bar for a new low within the country, as well as a large part of the world. Another major hub promoted by the Thai's.

[hellodolly]

<br>

<br>

<br>Vote buying OH NO NOT IN THAILAND <img src="http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/whistling.gif" class="bbc_emoticon" alt=""> , nothing under the table here, all is well LOL LOL LOL What a frigging joke, corruption is here <img src="http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/bah.gif" class="bbc_emoticon" alt=""><br>

<br><br>Any chance of you supplying us with a list of countries where there is no corruption? All so suply us with the proof that these countries have no corruption.<br>Vote buying will go on inside all the parties and will in all likely hood cancel each other out. <br>The Puea Thai will be buying votes in the North East where they would win the election anyhow. I most assuredly do not condone vote buying but I do not believe it will have any effect on the out come of the election.As always just my opinion.<br>

<br><br>By accepting anything you condone it. Thailand is noticeably more corrupt than any other of the 35 countries Ive visited, including Saudi and Egypt. Ive never been stopped and asked for money by a policeman blatantly in the open before - not even in Mexico. You dont need to ask for pasted quotes for this one - you need to open your eyes and accept what you see!!<br>

<br>Visiting a country does not inform you of much Transparency International rates Mexico and Egypt as worse than Thailand and Saudi Arabia as better in terms of corruption.<br>I will give you a personal example. While visiting in Bali we were stopped by a police man and asked for money. Do I judge a whole country on one instance no. Do I judge it on what didn't happen to me no. I leave it to people in touch with all of the happenings of the country to make judgements. Now they could be wrong but I don't really believe they are that far off in there ratings.<br><br>As for accepting some thing as being wrong I differ with you on that. It is completely different to condoning it.  While I might personally not  want to accept vote buying To not do so would be like saying Thaksin never stole any thing. Both are facts and I can do nothing to change them. That does not mean I condone them. As a matter of fact I do not condone either one I believe however they will not make any difference in the outcome of the election. I could be wrong this is just my opinion.<br><br>On a final note I opened my eyes and did not see one person being stopped by a police man and asked for money here in Thailand. I am sure it happens but to no where near the extent some would have us believe. I azccept the fact it happens I do not condone it.<br> Edited June 9, 2011 by hellodolly

[ginjag]

The red shirts mentioned 90,000 or their group monitoring the 90,000 polling venues. What do 60 observers from the "free elections" group hope to accomplish? Some rate Thailand as a Developing Nation, others a third world country, others refer to her as the hillbilly/bumpkin nation. When its comes to political behavior/governing bodies, etc this system is fast approaching the despot countries of the world, way of doing things.

You must not forget there will be 1 policeman there per station, He will have to be alert for 12hours +--that will deter any problems

[OzMick]

In Australia, ranked as one of if not the most democratic of countries, it is not compulsory to vote. It is however, compulsory to attend a polling station, or arrange a postal vote.

What ranking? Who did that ranking?

This ranking by them! http://en.wikipedia....Democracy_Index Google is your friend!

Australia is not TOP 1 in that ranking.

The wikipedia entry on Compulsory voting has Australia on the list of countries that enforces compulsory voting

http://en.wikipedia....mpulsory_voting

Other countries from the Top in the Democracy Index don't have compulsory voting.

So compulsory or not says nothing about democracy.

dear Sam, if you wish to be picky, at least be accurate with your picking. The original post was " Australia, ranked as one of if not the most democratic of countries" which is not a claim of TOP 1, but then again, I don't necessarily agree with the No6 position given.

Wikipedia says that Australia has compulsory voting. It is wrong, which is not very unusual. The computer term for this is SISO, and if you continue to use Wiki without confirmation you will continue to look stupid. The position is as was stated in the original post "......... it is not compulsory to vote. It is however, compulsory to attend a polling station, or arrange a postal vote." Once you have your name crossed off, you may leave the polling station without voting. Or, if you apply for a postal vote, you can throw it the garbage. Don't ask wiki, ask a bloody Australian.

I made no claim of a link between compulsory voting and level of democracy. I was only pointing out an interesting and (obviously) often misunderstood position in Australia. My personal position is that it is quite reasonable to ask a citizen to attend a polling booth for a few minutes once every few years. There are a wide range of acceptable reasons not to do so, and if you just couldn't be bothered, the fine is quite small.