EC underlines effort to maximize turnout to referendum

BANGKOK, 19 July 2016 (NNT) – The Election Commission (EC) has reminded that the August 7 public referendum on the draft charter was extended to 4PM to entice citizens to turn out.

EC member for participation Prawich Rattanaphien has remarked that the public referendum is a rare opportunity for the Thai people to be involved in direct democracy, being only the second such voting process since 2007. He explained that most elections are indirect democracy due to the nation’s Parliamentary system. He urged citizens to make the most of this latest opportunity by turning out, noting that the EC has tried to accommodate participants as much as possible.

The EC member pointed out response to the commission’s promotion efforts so far have been positive and expressed gratitude that the event has a total 116 days of advance notice as opposed to the 2007 vote, which was only promoted for 20 days. He stated that with the effort exerted by the EC to garner awareness for the referendum, it is hopeful it will achieve a turn out rate of 80 percent.


-- NNT 2016-07-19

A rare opportunity to be involved in direct democracy since 2007?

Yeah right with no strings attached.

An announcement of a full and free democratic election is what the people would prefer and the sooner the better.

only promoted for 20 days

Guess who made that decision - NCPO chose to adhere to its roadmap timetable in spite of its first draft being voted down in 2015.

Vote on the draft charter was extended to 4PM to entice citizens to turn out.

In contrast NRSA member Wanchai wanted General Election voting hours to be extended to 6:00 pm instead of 3:00pm, to encourage higher voter turnout. 4PM makes little difference or sense for working Thais.