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Published on December 19, 2007

"Even the perception of them not being neutral is an issue. And that undermines the whole credibility of the election," according to Adam Cooper, mission assistant of the Asian Network for Free Elections, or Anfrel.

Anfrel released a report this week on the advance voting last weekend. It collated findings from 37 observers across the country.

The group was told by an unnamed source close to the military from Chiang Rai soldiers there had been ordered to vote for the Chart Thai Party.

Cooper said the public should keep their eyes on the role of the military in the election and its post-election relationship with a future administration. "The biggest issue is not whether there'll be a [post-election] coup but what is the role of the military in the election and what will be the role of the military after the election," he said.

Despite an unprecedented number of advance voters, Anfrel said in its report the Election Commission coped well, although there were a few complaints about privacy at some stations.

In polling centres themselves, some infractions of procedure were observed. Voters could be seen in booths at centres in Chon Buri, Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani. And ballot boxes were not properly sealed in one district in Nakhon Ratchasima.

"Between now and then they must ensure ballot boxes used for advance voting are stored transparently," Anfrel coordinator Ichal Supriadi said.

Pravit Rojanaphruk

 The Nation