Advance voting for Senate sees low turnout

[webfact]

Advance voting for Senate sees low turnout
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Yesterday's advance voting for the March 30 half-Senate election went smoothly without any protests, but the turnout was exceptionally low in many provinces.

There were 1,056 polling station across the country, with 151 set up for voters casting ballots outside their constituencies and 905 stations for voters casting votes in their constituencies. Around 2.1 million voters had registered.

Puchong Nutrawong, secretary-general of the Election Commission, said those who had registered but failed to show up would not be able to vote on March 30.

EC chairman Supachai Somcharoen said he had not been informed of any disruption or protest at any polling station.

The atmosphere was reported as lacklustre with fewer voters appearing than expected in some provinces. In one province, 26,285 people had registered for advance voting but only 669 turned up or 2.5 per cent.

In Lop Buri, 228 voters registered but none turned up while in Ang Thong 45 voters registered but none turned up. In Loei, 419 voters had registered and five turned up. In Nong Bua Lamphu, 477 voters had registered but just three cast votes. In Chachoengsao, only 2.5 per cent of voters exercised their right to cast an advance ballot outside their constituency.

In Phayao, election officials said they were able to solve problems caused by heavy storms before ballot boxes were opened for voters to cast a vote.

Voting in southern provinces such as Phuket was uninterrupted. No incidents or disruptions were reported, but the province also saw a dismal voter turnout in every district. The February 2 election in many southern seats was marred by rallies and interference by anti-government protesters.


-- The Nation 2014-03-24

[Dr Bruce]

No point in voting for the Senate, everybody knows that it is dominated by the Block of un-elected yesmen who will always support the Dems.

Edited March 24, 2014 by Dr Bruce

[Tatsujin]

"In one province, 26,285 people had registered for advance voting but only 669 turned up or 2.5 per cent."

Yes, it really seems like "the people" really want to go to vote right now. With turnouts like that, they'd be better off sorting the reforms out first before bothering with any more elections or there will be another "failed" election.

[Tatsujin]

No point in voting for the Senate, everybody knows that it is dominated by the Block of un-elected yesmen who will always support the Dems.

Wasn't your argument about the previously "failed" election to let "the people" have the vote to choose who they want and that therefore shows the "will" of the people? By not voting, surely you are now switching over to the anti-Govt point of view that voting is pointless until reforms have taken place?

[Thait Spot]

No point in voting for the Senate, everybody knows that it is dominated by the Block of un-elected yesmen who will always support the Dems.

What astonishing hypocrisy

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Dr Bruce]

No point in voting for the Senate, everybody knows that it is dominated by the Block of un-elected yesmen who will always support the Dems.

Wasn't your argument about the previously "failed" election to let "the people" have the vote to choose who they want and that therefore shows the "will" of the people? By not voting, surely you are now switching over to the anti-Govt point of view that voting is pointless until reforms have taken place?

People know that it is The House of Representatives that is the government. The Senate is dominated by the Dems/Elite block vote. The Anti-democrcy protesters allowed the Senate vote to be held because they know it does not matter.

They will block the election for the House of Representatives because they know that this is the House where the people have a vote. Any reforms forced through by the anti-democratic mobs will only straigthen the Senate and weaken the House of Representatives.

No more posts today I have meeting.

[jpeg]

No point in voting for the Senate, everybody knows that it is dominated by the Block of un-elected yesmen who will always support the Dems.

Not true. My lawyer's running as a 'Green' Independent.

[tezzainoz]

No point in voting for the Senate, everybody knows that it is dominated by the Block of un-elected yesmen who will always support the Dems.

Wasn't your argument about the previously "failed" election to let "the people" have the vote to choose who they want and that therefore shows the "will" of the people? By not voting, surely you are now switching over to the anti-Govt point of view that voting is pointless until reforms have taken place?

People know that it is The House of Representatives that is the government. The Senate is dominated by the Dems/Elite block vote. The Anti-democrcy protesters allowed the Senate vote to be held because they know it does not matter.

They will block the election for the House of Representatives because they know that this is the House where the people have a vote. Any reforms forced through by the anti-democratic mobs will only straigthen the Senate and weaken the House of Representatives.

No more posts today I have meeting.

Time for you to go back to school

House of reps job is to make the Laws

Senate's job to keep the house of Reps Honest

so if the Senate stops something it means they are doing their job

But in you mind the house of Reps have a Mandate to do or ripp off who ever they want

and the Senate should just do nothing

thank goodnes you have no say in any countries politics

Edited March 24, 2014 by tezzainoz

[tezzainoz]

No point in voting for the Senate, everybody knows that it is dominated by the Block of un-elected yesmen who will always support the Dems.

Wasn't your argument about the previously "failed" election to let "the people" have the vote to choose who they want and that therefore shows the "will" of the people? By not voting, surely you are now switching over to the anti-Govt point of view that voting is pointless until reforms have taken place?

People know that it is The House of Representatives that is the government. The Senate is dominated by the Dems/Elite block vote. The Anti-democrcy protesters allowed the Senate vote to be held because they know it does not matter.

They will block the election for the House of Representatives because they know that this is the House where the people have a vote. Any reforms forced through by the anti-democratic mobs will only straigthen the Senate and weaken the House of Representatives.

No more posts today I have meeting.

where the people can vote

Please show us a link to where it shows how many members of the Thai public where allowed to vote in the Amnesty Bill

You talk so much rubbish

the only people who got a vote where Thaskin paid goons

[tezzainoz]

No point in voting for the Senate, everybody knows that it is dominated by the Block of un-elected yesmen who will always support the Dems.

Wasn't your argument about the previously "failed" election to let "the people" have the vote to choose who they want and that therefore shows the "will" of the people? By not voting, surely you are now switching over to the anti-Govt point of view that voting is pointless until reforms have taken place?

Respect OUR Vote .................. on Large signs

then when the people not vote

We not have to vote as we know it all all rigged

Talk about swinging sides

change the goal post to suit your team

[Artisi]

No point in voting for the Senate, everybody knows that it is dominated by the Block of un-elected yesmen who will always support the Dems.

Wasn't your argument about the previously "failed" election to let "the people" have the vote to choose who they want and that therefore shows the "will" of the people? By not voting, surely you are now switching over to the anti-Govt point of view that voting is pointless until reforms have taken place?

People know that it is The House of Representatives that is the government. The Senate is dominated by the Dems/Elite block vote. The Anti-democrcy protesters allowed the Senate vote to be held because they know it does not matter.

They will block the election for the House of Representatives because they know that this is the House where the people have a vote. Any reforms forced through by the anti-democratic mobs will only straigthen the Senate and weaken the House of Representatives.

No more posts today I have meeting.

Why not make it a permanent meeting and save the embarrassment of posting more nonsense.

[Tatsujin]

No point in voting for the Senate, everybody knows that it is dominated by the Block of un-elected yesmen who will always support the Dems.

Wasn't your argument about the previously "failed" election to let "the people" have the vote to choose who they want and that therefore shows the "will" of the people? By not voting, surely you are now switching over to the anti-Govt point of view that voting is pointless until reforms have taken place?

People know that it is The House of Representatives that is the government. The Senate is dominated by the Dems/Elite block vote. The Anti-democrcy protesters allowed the Senate vote to be held because they know it does not matter.

They will block the election for the House of Representatives because they know that this is the House where the people have a vote. Any reforms forced through by the anti-democratic mobs will only straigthen the Senate and weaken the House of Representatives.

No more posts today I have meeting.

Not sure of your logic with regards voting and representation in the different "Houses" . . . I would have thought it made more sense to have a majority of pro-PTP/Thaksin representatives in "both" Houses.

Edited March 24, 2014 by ubonjoe
Removed a inflammatory comment

[chainarong]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

No point in voting for the Senate, everybody knows that it is dominated by the Block of un-elected yesmen who will always support the Dems.

The senate is a house of review , just like Australia's , they approve , amend or reject and send back legislation that needs more work to be done , their primary job is to keep the barstards honest.

[JesseFrank]

And this was yesterday

EC Chairman confident of a high voter turnout for senate election

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/713097-advance-senate-elections-go-smoothly/?p=7597529

[ianf]

No point in voting for the Senate, everybody knows that it is dominated by the Block of un-elected yesmen who will always support the Dems.

Absolute rubbish as usual. During Thaksin's premiership, Thaksin paid 90 senators 100,000 baht a month each so that they took his side which allowed the sale of the Telecoms co to go to Singapore ........ etc etc etc. Gosh, Bruce, I am so bored with your continual rewrite of history on Thaksin's behalf.

[Luk Mhee]

This just goes to show the faith that the people have in the political system as it is now.

[toybits]

I guess it is merely a reflection of the peoples' feeling about elections... Why have one when the results can always be manipulated to suit some unseen force's desire?

[rickirs]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

No point in voting for the Senate, everybody knows that it is dominated by the Block of un-elected yesmen who will always support the Dems.

Wasn't your argument about the previously "failed" election to let "the people" have the vote to choose who they want and that therefore shows the "will" of the people? By not voting, surely you are now switching over to the anti-Govt point of view that voting is pointless until reforms have taken place?

People know that it is The House of Representatives that is the government. The Senate is dominated by the Dems/Elite block vote. The Anti-democrcy protesters allowed the Senate vote to be held because they know it does not matter.

They will block the election for the House of Representatives because they know that this is the House where the people have a vote. Any reforms forced through by the anti-democratic mobs will only straigthen the Senate and weaken the House of Representatives.

No more posts today I have meeting.

where the people can vote

Please show us a link to where it shows how many members of the Thai public where allowed to vote in the Amnesty Bill

You talk so much rubbish

the only people who got a vote where Thaskin paid goons

The Thai public "votes" through representatives that they did vote into the House. That is the nature of a democratic system - government rhough representation. There is no elective system in the world where every legislative action must be approved by a vote by all citizens of the country. Your knowledge of how governments operate is garbage.

[Dogmatix]

It is not always easy to find out who the Senatorial election candidates are and people may feel apathetic as a result. Most of them turn out to the red shirts, either before the elections or sell themselves out afterwards. . How else could PT's fraudulent legislation have sailed so easily through the Senate?

[rickirs]

"... those who had registered (for advance voting) but failed to show up would not be able to vote on March 30." Can anyone provide the legal authority for this loss of right?

[Artisi]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

People know that it is The House of Representatives that is the government. The Senate is dominated by the Dems/Elite block vote. The Anti-democrcy protesters allowed the Senate vote to be held because they know it does not matter.

They will block the election for the House of Representatives because they know that this is the House where the people have a vote. Any reforms forced through by the anti-democratic mobs will only straigthen the Senate and weaken the House of Representatives.

No more posts today I have meeting.

where the people can vote

Please show us a link to where it shows how many members of the Thai public where allowed to vote in the Amnesty Bill

You talk so much rubbish

the only people who got a vote where Thaskin paid goons

The Thai public "votes" through representatives that they did vote into the House. That is the nature of a democratic system - government rhough representation. There is no elective system in the world where every legislative action must be approved by a vote by all citizens of the country. Your knowledge of how governments operate is garbage.

Just like the majority of garbage posted by the good Dr.

[DrTuner]

So that's what it was. BigC wouldn't sell beer, the clerk too had to check from the A4 hanging on the shelf what it was about. Red shirts nearly blocked Sukhumvit in Pattaya for some time. Music festival went on as usual, beer and all, restaurants were serving too. I don't think many even knew there was an election. No wonder with the circus acts happening almost every weekend now, folks are losing interest.

[fab4]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

No point in voting for the Senate, everybody knows that it is dominated by the Block of un-elected yesmen who will always support the Dems.

The senate is a house of review , just like Australia's , they approve , amend or reject and send back legislation that needs more work to be done , their primary job is to keep the barstards honest.

Who keeps the "barstards" keeping the "barstards" honest, honest?

[rubl]

"... those who had registered (for advance voting) but failed to show up would not be able to vote on March 30." Can anyone provide the legal authority for this loss of right?

It may be part of the constitution which has

Section 138. There shall be the following organic law:

(1) the organic law on election of members of the House of Representative and acquisition of Senators;

(2) the organic law on Election Commission;

The details should be in those organic laws. Sorry I have no pointer to those.

It might be that the 'administration / paperwork' is not able to cope with people who ask to vote in advance and then for whatever reason still want to vote on the normal election day. Note that for both days the polling booths have (paper)lists with all registered / eligible voters.

[SABloke]

"... those who had registered (for advance voting) but failed to show up would not be able to vote on March 30." Can anyone provide the legal authority for this loss of right?

If you register to vote in a place that is not your registered home, you have to vote there. If you wish to change your registration you must do so 45 days (I stand to be correctrd on exact number) before voting. My wife has lived in BKK for 12 years and so she registrrrd here, if she wants to vote in her home province she needs to regiater there first. She would not be able to vote there if she didnt.

Sent from my GT-S7270 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[rubl]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

No point in voting for the Senate, everybody knows that it is dominated by the Block of un-elected yesmen who will always support the Dems.

The senate is a house of review , just like Australia's , they approve , amend or reject and send back legislation that needs more work to be done , their primary job is to keep the barstards honest.

Who keeps the "barstards" keeping the "barstards" honest, honest?

2007 Constitution

Section 119. Membership of the Senate terminates upon:

(1) expiration of membership;

(2) death;

(3) resignation;

(4) being disqualified under section 115;

(5) acting in contravention of any of the prohibitions under section 116, section 265 or section 266;

(6) the Senate passing a resolution under section 274 removing him from office or the Constitutional Court having a decision terminating his membership under section 91 or the Supreme Court having a decision under section 239 paragraph two or section 240 paragraph three; in such cases, his membership shall be deemed to have terminated as from the date of the resolution of the Senate or the decision of the Court, as the case may be;

(7) having been absent for more than one-fourth of the number of days in a session the length of which is not less than one hundred and twenty days without permission of the President of the Senate;

(8) being sentenced by a judgment to imprisonment notwithstanding the suspension of the execution of imprisonment has been granted, except for an offence committed through negligence, a petty offence or a defamation offense.

[northernjohn]

No point in voting for the Senate, everybody knows that it is dominated by the Block of un-elected yesmen who will always support the Dems.

Wasn't your argument about the previously "failed" election to let "the people" have the vote to choose who they want and that therefore shows the "will" of the people? By not voting, surely you are now switching over to the anti-Govt point of view that voting is pointless until reforms have taken place?

People know that it is The House of Representatives that is the government. The Senate is dominated by the Dems/Elite block vote. The Anti-democrcy protesters allowed the Senate vote to be held because they know it does not matter.

They will block the election for the House of Representatives because they know that this is the House where the people have a vote. Any reforms forced through by the anti-democratic mobs will only straigthen the Senate and weaken the House of Representatives.

No more posts today I have meeting.

The bars are open today.

[Scamper]

When you have an entire province that has only 45 registered voters for an advance election, and none show up, and when the better turn-out provinces achieve 2.5 % turnout - there is something called voter apathy. Big time. Pheu Thai and the UDD are all gearing to go for an election, that they are convinced the people want. But the people are not showing up - not even a great deal of their own supporters. There was no disruption at the polls. People were simply uninterested, that's all. The Thai people want reform before an election. The polls indicate that. And the voter turnout indicates that.

[DrTuner]

When you have an entire province that has only 45 registered voters for an advance election, and none show up, and when the better turn-out provinces achieve 2.5 % turnout - there is something called voter apathy. Big time. Pheu Thai and the UDD are all gearing to go for an election, that they are convinced the people want. But the people are not showing up - not even a great deal of their own supporters. There was no disruption at the polls. People were simply uninterested, that's all. The Thai people want reform before an election. The polls indicate that. And the voter turnout indicates that.

Will be interesting to see what that "reform" will be. My guess is auction-like populist promises, whoever makes the largest promises (lies), wins. anything else, like starting to really root out corruption would hit the voters themselves.

[Artisi]

When you have an entire province that has only 45 registered voters for an advance election, and none show up, and when the better turn-out provinces achieve 2.5 % turnout - there is something called voter apathy. Big time. Pheu Thai and the UDD are all gearing to go for an election, that they are convinced the people want. But the people are not showing up - not even a great deal of their own supporters. There was no disruption at the polls. People were simply uninterested, that's all. The Thai people want reform before an election. The polls indicate that. And the voter turnout indicates that.

However, PTP and UDD certainly don't or can't understand that point, probably a little too subtle for them and coupled with the fact of certainly not wanting any reform before elections or should I say the fugitive doesn't want any reform - this is also tied in with their thinking that they are the rightful and only leaders.