The new Senate election system has sparked concerns about potential manipulation by influential political families, according to Yingcheep Atchanont, the manager of the Internet Dialogue on Law Reform (iLaw). In a candid Facebook post on Friday, Yingcheep admitted his earlier misjudgment. He had initially believed that the political dynasties, often referred to as “Ban Yai” or “Big House,” were unable to significantly interfere with the election process.
Initially, Yingcheep’s concern was limited to manipulations at the district level, where he thought political families could only impact elections by deploying hired individuals as proxy candidates. These individuals would support the “preferred” candidates, ensuring their advancement. However, he quickly realized that the situation was far more complex, particularly in districts where competition is scant.
Yingcheep observed that many small districts lack competitiveness, with only a handful of candidates contesting the seats. This scarcity means that most candidates automatically progress to the provincial-level vote without significant opposition, casting a shadow over the election’s integrity.
The election unfolds over three tiers: district, provincial, and national levels. Each tier involves a sophisticated voting mechanism among 20 professional groups. The climactic final round selects the top 10 individuals from each professional group to fill the 200 senator positions.
Yingcheep elaborated on how political families are exploiting this system. These families distribute their representatives strategically across various districts and professional groups. Each district typically sees at least 15 candidates sailing smoothly through the initial votes. Consequently, these politically powerful families often have upward of 40 candidates in the provincial-level vote, ensuring their continued dominance as they move toward national-level voting.
“Thai politics is riddled with Ban Yai entities. They often form alliances, and can even coerce the few independent candidates who manage to reach the national level, merging them into their fold. This ensures their pre-selected candidates secure victory in the final round,” Yingcheep lamented.
He stressed that the number of independent candidates is glaringly low, making it relatively easy for these influential families to manipulate the election outcome. The landscape tilts heavily in favor of those with resources and connections.
Amid these revelations, the Election Commission (EC) has been quick to release guidelines for the forthcoming national-level Senate election. Scheduled for Wednesday at the Impact Forum, a convention center in Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi, the election faces intense scrutiny.
According to the EC’s guidelines, every candidate is required to be present and register at the venue by 9am. Any candidate arriving late will face disqualification. The structured voting process kicks off with intra-group voting, where each candidate has the opportunity to vote for up to 10 peers within their professional group. Those who finish in the top 40 will advance to the inter-group voting phase.
All eyes will be on this crucial election as it seeks to navigate through concerns of manipulation and influence, striving to uphold the principles of democratic fairness and representation.
I can’t believe we are still dealing with these political dynasties in 2023. Are we ever going to have a fair election where real change is possible?
It’s frustrating, but political dynasties are a global issue, not just unique to Thailand. Look at the Kennedys or the Bush family in the U.S!
True, but it feels particularly entrenched in Thailand. Something needs to change!
Dynasties might have experience, though. Isn’t that useful?
Why aren’t more measures being put in place to prevent this manipulation? Seems like the Election Commission is just turning a blind eye.
Agreed. It’s as if they want this corruption to go on because it benefits them too.
The EC releases guidelines, but are they even effective? Rules are useless if not enforced!
Implementing more stringent measures might help, but there’s so much resistance from powerful interests.
Yingcheep’s admission is a bit late, isn’t it? He should’ve known from the start that Ban Yai would exploit any election system.
Hindsight is 20/20. At least he’s acknowledging it now, right?
True, but it feels like too little, too late in some ways.
Better late than never, I suppose.
This is just a symptom of a bigger issue. The system needs a complete overhaul or we’ll be stuck with the same issues forever.
Does anyone really believe these families will allow a fair election process anytime soon?
Not until they lose grip on their power structures. Grassroots movements need more support to challenge them.
Look at history – revolutions happen, but only when the people unite and demand change.
What about the independent candidates? Surely they have some chance if they band together?
They do, but they’re often outfunded and outmaneuvered by these powerful networks.
Collaboration among independents is key, but it’s easier said than done when facing giants.
They need public support and transparency. Maybe more people will wake up and back them next time.
I’m skeptical about elections in general these days. Are they ever really fair?
That’s a bit pessimistic. There are fair elections, but it takes a lot of effort to keep them that way.
Maybe, but with all the corruption and manipulation, it’s hard to stay optimistic.
We’ve got to fight for what’s right, regardless of how tough it is.
The complexity of the voting mechanisms just makes it easier for manipulation, don’t you think?
Yes, simpler systems can be more transparent and harder to rig.
But complex systems can also mean a more thorough process – balance is key.
This just shows that power always finds a way to maintain itself. Only radical reforms can change this.
How can we push for radical reforms when the system suppresses every attempt?
We need more grassroots organizing and public pressure. The will of the people can be a powerful force.
History shows that elite control isn’t easily broken. It might take generations to change.
That’s incredibly disheartening. Makes it feel like our efforts are futile.
Futile? Maybe not. Slow progress is still progress. Every small victory counts.
Instead of complaining, maybe we should focus on supporting candidates who genuinely want to break this cycle.
Absolutely. Positive action will always be more effective than just posting rants online.
It’s easy to say but harder to find candidates who aren’t eventually swallowed by the system.