Bangkok: “Saeng” has announced that the Election Commission is prepared to hold both a referendum on constitutional amendments and Member of Parliament (MP) elections concurrently. The decision on the referendum date, however, lies with the Prime Minister. The commission asserts that conducting both events simultaneously will not pose significant challenges, requiring only the addition of more ballots and the utilization of the same voting booths. Saeng also stated that he is monitoring the situation to prevent MP candidates from using the constitutional amendments as a covert campaign strategy.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sawaeng Boonmee, Secretary-General of the Election Commission, discussed the preparations for the referendum on the draft constitutional amendment. This follows the Constitutional Court’s ruling to hold three referendums, with the first two to be combined. He affirmed that the referendums are similar in nature to MP elections and can be conducted at the same time, pending the enactment of additional legislation. In anticipation, the Election Commission (EC) has drafted a regulation to facilitate simultaneous referendums and MP elections. The EC remains prepared for both joint and separate events.
In response to inquiries about the cost and personnel implications of holding referendums alongside MP elections, Mr. Sa-nguan indicated that the expenses would not be substantial, though they would entail increased activities. He emphasized that the personnel, such as the Polling Station Committee (PMC), and the polling stations themselves would remain unchanged. The logistics of a referendum mirror those of an MP election, and the EC is already acquainted with these costs. The referendum will incorporate forums for proponents and opponents of the issues and disseminate related materials. While these additional activities will incur some costs, they are expected to be minimal. If referendums were conducted separately, eligible voters would need to vote twice, thereby increasing costs. Conducting them simultaneously, however, would involve only a single voting process, with additional costs arising solely from different activities.
Mr. Sa-nguan further explained that the Election Commission is well-versed in managing elections with multiple ballots, such as those for mayors and provincial administrative organization (PAO) members. Introducing an additional ballot for the referendum should not present any complications. The decision to amalgamate the first and second referendums rests with the Cabinet, while the EC is focused on ensuring the election proceeds smoothly.
He also noted that the Prime Minister will set the referendum date, which must be coordinated with the Election Commission as stipulated by Section 9. The priority is to ensure the public’s convenience. The EC plans to use the same polling stations and booths, as the voter base is identical. Separate ballots will be employed to avert confusion during vote counting, as is standard practice in local elections. He anticipates the process will be somewhat time-consuming. Referring to past issues with election officials, he assured that they will not recur, and the public will receive full assistance.
When questioned about the timeline for the elections, Mr. Sa-nguan mentioned that the Election Commission remains vigilant and has a schedule in place. They will align their timetable with any developments, such as a parliamentary dissolution. Elections have predefined activities that must adhere to a schedule, and the EC will adjust its plans accordingly. A referendum necessitates time for public opinion expression, akin to legal procedures following an MP’s resignation.
Addressing the need for public education on the referendum, Mr. Sa-wang acknowledged the importance of understanding both election and referendum laws. The commission is committed to rehearsing and comprehending these processes to ensure clarity.
Regarding public understanding of the referendum process, Mr. Sa-nguan remarked that the commission’s role is to elucidate the procedure. The ultimate outcome depends on the government and those overseeing the matter.
Responding to questions about potential biases in constitutional drafting and election-focused campaigning, Mr. Sa-wang noted the presence of methods to observe such activities. He stressed the importance of distinguishing between them, as negative repercussions could impact those involved. Providing accurate information is crucial.
Finally, Mr. Sa-nguan confirmed that the referendum process would continue even if Parliament were dissolved, as dictated by the Referendum Act. Supporters and opponents of the referendum, along with electoral community members, would engage with the process, and the referendum issue could serve as a campaign tool.