EC urges all eligible to register for distance vote in public referendum



BANGKOK, 22 June 2016 (NNT) – The Election Commission (EC) has reported over 45,000 citizens have registered to vote in the public referendum away from their hometowns, urging those remaining to use one of its 3 available channels to take part in the vote.

EC member Somchai Srisuthiyakorn disclosed in a press conference that since opening distance voting registration on May 1 to now, a total 48,050 people have made preparations to vote in the public referendum on the draft charter away from their registered homes. Most the number registered at their district offices with only about 23,000 using an established internet portal.

Somchai noted the number is still low compared to those eligible to register and urged the public to utilize any of the 3 available channels to sign up, reminding that citizens can prepare to vote by contacting their local administrative office, at election.dopa.go.th or by mail from now to June 30.

The EC member also reiterated that there will be no advance voting in the referendum and all voting will be across the nation on the same day, stating that those who registered to vote for members of Parliament in previous polls must register again.

The referendum is scheduled to take place on August 7.


-- NNT 2016-06-22

It would be great if voting reached at least 80% and the majority vote exceeds 60%. That truly would represent a public mandate (assuming no significant voter fraud). Then perhaps the level of political conflict will settle.

The Scottish Independence Referendum by comparison had about 85% turnout with about 45% Yes and 55% No. Hardly a clear mandate opposing independence. No doubt Independence will remain an issue, especially if the UK leaves the EU.

The numbers don't indicate a great interest in voting. Normal elections or by-elections show much larger numbers. Number of overseas Thai who register probably low as well.

Mr 80% I guess we'll see.

W