Bangkok: Senator Nanthana stormed the Election Commission, urging them to resolve the issue of holding elections concurrently with referendums, fearing that duplicative procedures would deprive people of their rights. Senator Nantana Nantavaropas, representing the Committee on Political Development, met with the Election Commission (EC) to discuss problems arising from the organization of the general election alongside the upcoming referendum. She highlighted significant obstacles that could lead to citizens losing their rights and causing confusion.
According to Thai News Agency, the key issues discussed included problems with advance voting. Citizens who registered for advance voting outside their district on February 1st were unable to cast their votes in the referendum on that day. This resulted in those who were unable to vote on the actual voting day (February 8th) automatically losing their right to vote in the referendum.
The procedure was deemed cumbersome as the Election Commission currently requires voters to receive their ballot papers first, and then again for the referendum ballot. Ms. Nanthana proposed changing this to receiving all three ballots simultaneously (two election ballots + one referendum ballot) to reduce crowding and waiting times, emphasizing that each ballot type has clearly distinguishable colors and characteristics.
Additionally, there is a lack of comprehensive campaigning. It was noted that the Election Commission has done too little in publicizing the referendum, while political parties are focused solely on campaigning for parliamentary elections. Therefore, there are concerns that the public will not be aware of the importance of amending the constitution.
"Holding elections and referendums on the same day aims to save money and time. However, if the process remains complicated and obstructs the exercise of rights, it contradicts that intention," she stated.
Ms. Nanthana concluded by urging the Election Commission to quickly improve its operational methods within the remaining 18 days, so that the number of voters for both activities is as close as possible. She also asked the media to help remind the public of the importance of the new constitution.