BANGKOK – The first election, or selection instead, of senators in Thailand after the coup d’etat on May 22, 2014 is going to take place this summer, with a format that does not allow the people to elect them. Additionally, it sets strange conditions that prohibit candidates from campaigning.
It also emphasizes that the constitution, written by the junta-appointed committee, does not view democracy as a system that must involve maximum public participation, and must provide space for freedom of expression.
Mr. Sawaeng Boonmee, Secretary-General of the Election Commission, clarified on April 30 that citizens do not have the direct right to vote for senators, as the constitution does not grant this right. Citizens can only access information on senator candidates’ profiles through the ECT’s “Smart Vote” app and website. The candidates are divided into 20 professional groups across 928 districts, 77 provinces, and the national level.
- The media can report normally according to professional principles on which professional groups the candidates belong to, analyze them, host forums, and interview candidates, but cannot assist candidates in campaigning/promoting themselves.
- Senator candidates must introduce themselves only as permitted by ECT laws and regulations. Violations like falsely claiming eligibility, vote-buying, fraud, or accepting political party assistance can lead to disqualification or criminal penalties like fines and imprisonment.
- Politicians who are members or hold positions in political parties are strictly prohibited from assisting any senator candidates.
“It’s the worst rules and darkest senatorial elections. Each candidate can only introduce oneself to voters in no more than 5 sentences. Think for yourself what Thailand’s future will be like?” said former Election Commission Somchai Srisutthiyakorn.
Somchai’s opinion is similar to many others who joined the press conference to launch the “Matichon: New Senators Thailand-Select” campaign organized at Khaosod Company office on April 30.
Suwapong Chan-fangphet, editor of Matichon Weekly and an organizer of the campaign, stated about Matichon’s intentions in organizing this event and their commitment to continuously reporting news and opinions on the senate election:
“I take this opportunity to offer this platform for everyone to express their opinions and views. I affirm that all publications and editions of the Matichon media group, we want to make this senate election, which some are trying to keep as quiet as possible, as loud as possible by allowing people to share their views.”
This campaign is joined by the Matichon Group together with the editorial team of the online Way Magazine, and leading academic partners from the Faculty of Political Science at Chulalongkorn University, Thammasat University, and Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Political Science.
Essentially, Suwapong states that despite attempts to suppress coverage of this undemocratic senate selection process, Matichon media outlets will amplify it by providing a platform for public discourse. They are partnering with academics to facilitate open discussion around this controversial election.
Mrs. Sri Prai Nonthree, a representative from labor unions in the Rangsit area and nearby said in this event that as a very poor person herself, the opportunity for people to have a real representative is unattainable. Just to register as a candidate requires paying 2,500 baht, and voters also have to pay 2,500 baht. It is not true democracy, but rather rules embedded with dictatorship.
She argues that requiring fees from both candidates and voters goes against democratic principles and entrenches authoritarian power in the selection process for these new senators. Her perspective aligns with the concerns raised initially about this undemocratic senate selection process lacking public participation and freedom of expression.
Mr. Yingcheep Atchanont, project manager of iLaw (Internet for Public Laws), commented that in past years when discussing democratic elections, we spoke about the hopes of the new generation, students, and youth. But in this round, the rules are clear that the new generation does not have much participation.
“The rules for selecting senators this time are strange, distorted, and confusing. Yet senators are extremely important for the nation – in advancing towards a people’s constitution, selecting positions in organizations that must scrutinize state powers, and evaluating whether various laws are good or bad, which may be more important than MPs in many respects. But we know they don’t really want the people to participate much. But they can’t choose otherwise – in just a few more days, it will happen,” said Yingcheep.
He criticizes the convoluted rules around this senate selection as being undemocratic and intentionally limiting participation from the younger generation, despite the crucial role senators play in government oversight and the country’s laws. He laments that this undemocratic selection is happening imminently, despite the public having no choice in the matter.
The applications for new senator candidates will be on May 13, followed by district level elections on June 9, provincial level elections on June 16 and national level elections on June 26. The results on the senate elections will be known on July 2.
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