PUBLISHED: 1 Feb 2025 at 06:15
The Election Commission anticipates announcing results from the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) elections by 10 PM on Saturday, with voting taking place across 76 provinces.
Of these, 49 provinces will elect both PAO chiefs and members, while voters in 29 provinces will only select PAO members, as chiefs were previously elected due to early resignations.
All PAO chiefs’ four-year terms officially ended on December 19.
During a recent visit to Chiang Mai to assess election readiness, the EC Chairman emphasized that all election officials are equipped with the necessary experience and training.
When questioned about heightened scrutiny in Chiang Mai due to significant party campaigning, he assured that all candidates are well-informed of election regulations.
The EC has prepared a comprehensive campaigning handbook to assist candidates, offering clarity on permissible actions. Candidates are encouraged to consult the EC regarding any ambiguities.
Currently, there have been 153 election-related complaints in Chiang Mai, focusing on issues such as vote-buying and campaign violations. This figure is significantly lower than the 718 complaints filed during the 2020 PAO elections.
Regarding allegations of incentivizing attendance at rallies, the Chairman emphasized that substantial evidence is required before any legal actions can be pursued. This includes documentation like photographs and recordings to substantiate claims.
The EC has deployed eight inspectors and eight assistants to monitor the election integrity in Chiang Mai, complemented by rapid response teams prepared to gather evidence as necessary.
In collaboration with local authorities and police, the EC has enhanced security measures for the elections, including establishing inspection checkpoints leading up to voting day.
The Chairman urged citizens nationwide to engage in monitoring to help deter fraudulent activities during the elections. He reaffirmed the EC’s commitment to executing its responsibilities diligently.
In previous PAO elections, Chiang Mai recorded a voter turnout of 77.95%, closely followed by Lamphun at 77.86%. “This year, we are aiming for a turnout between 75% and 80%,” he stated.
Results in smaller provinces are anticipated to be finalized by 10 PM, while in larger areas like Chiang Mai, the counting process may require additional time due to distances between polling stations and counting centers.
