Presenting her group's findings yesterday, team leader Uarjit Virojtrairat urged all television channels to offer viewers more programmes on politics and subjects related to democracy.

On April 2 and 3, the team said, government-controlled Channel 11 devoted more air time - 1,230 minutes - to the election than any other channel. Army-controlled Channel 5 offered the least coverage, sparing only 319 minutes for the election.

Most of the coverage was presented to viewers as if the election was just another news story, the team found. Uarjit proposed channels invite expert speakers to discuss today's Senate election. Such a format would educate the public about politics and the role of the Senate, she said.

The media, she said, should also help monitor possible electoral fraud and report it to relevant agencies as well as the public.

What's more, television should inform viewers about the overall electoral process, she said. This could include details such as things to avoid doing to prevent a ballot paper from being invalidated.

Televised interviews with outgoing senators could be very educational, as would discussions of the specific role of the Senate as opposed to that of the lower house, she said.

The opening of ballot boxes is another crucial moment worthy of television's attention, Uarjit said.

The group and other nongovernmental organisations have set up a centre to receive reports of electoral irregularities. Members of the public who witness any such problems can contact the centre by phone at (02) 621 6705 or (09) 163 3326, or by fax at (02) 621 6716.