BANGKOK, THAILAND – 44 international observers from 17 countries and one international organization monitored Sunday’s parliamentary election and constitutional referendum, as the Election Commission aimed to showcase transparency and legal compliance.
First combined election and referendum
During a briefing in Bangkok, Election Commission secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee said it was the first time a parliamentary election and a national referendum had been held on the same day, which required particularly careful preparation.
“The aim is to design procedures and processes in such a way that transparency, fairness and compliance with the law can be verified at any time.”
said Sawaeng, explaining the commission’s approach.
Structured observer program in Bangkok region
The foreign observers took part in a monitoring program from 5 to 9 February in Bangkok and neighboring provinces that included training, on-site deployments on election day and a subsequent assessment.
According to the Election Commission, this structured schedule was intended to provide a comprehensive view of all phases of the electoral process, from preparation to the final tally.
Focus on materials and election-day procedures
Deputy secretary-general Pol Maj Nattawat Sa-ngiamsak announced that the observers would already follow the distribution of ballot materials to polling stations in Bangkok and surrounding areas on Saturday.
On election day, they were to monitor procedures from the opening of polling stations and the casting of ballots through the counting process to the sealing of ballot boxes.
Provincial interest and security coordination
Some observers expressed a wish to follow voting and counting in provincial areas as well, Nattawat reported.
The Election Commission said it had coordinated with local election offices, police and other agencies to ensure travel arrangements and security in both the capital and rural regions.
Signal to the public and abroad
Sawaeng recalled that international observers had been regularly invited to elections since 2001, underlining the importance of external scrutiny for political development.
According to the commission, the presence of the delegations reflected clear international interest, was intended to strengthen public confidence and documented a commitment to a transparent and impartial electoral process.
“The presence of the observers is meant to strengthen people’s trust and to demonstrate our commitment to a transparent and impartial election process.”
said Sawaeng, highlighting the expected impact of the monitoring mission.