Thai PBS World
EC urges clean voting as survey shows high public concern
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Ahead of the general election on February 8, the Election Commission (EC) is urging election officials nationwide to prioritise the promotion of clean and honest voting amid growing public criticism over vote-buying.
Key facts
- He said that encouraging voter turnout is no longer a major concern, as participation is expected to be no lower than that in the 2023 election, when turnout exceeded 75%.
- His remarks came after a nationwide survey revealed that 42% of respondents believe that rampant vote-buying will occur.
- A majority of respondents (71.9%) said they would not vote for candidates who offered money, viewing vote-buying as illegal, corrupt and a sign of incompetence.
- The survey revealed that 28.1% said, however, that they might still vote for such candidates, due to familiarity with the politician, past performance, influence from local canvassers, a lack of alternatives or financial benefit.
- The survey also found that, although 69% said they would refuse money offered in exchange for their vote, 18% admitted that they would accept it.
- EC Secretary General Sawaeng Boonmee ordered all EC staff in a LINE chat group to take note that society is increasingly scrutinising the widespread use of money to influence voters in the current election cycle.
Summary
EC Secretary General Sawaeng Boonmee ordered all EC staff in a LINE chat group to take note that society is increasingly scrutinising the widespread use of money to influence voters in the current election cycle.
He said that encouraging voter turnout is no longer a major concern, as participation is expected to be no lower than that in the 2023 election, when turnout exceeded 75%.