Thailand's first senate election to test constitutional reforms

Ulhas Joglekar ulhasj at bom4.vsnl.net.in
Tue Mar 7 09:06:38 PST 2000


5 March 2000

Thailand's first senate election to test constitutional reforms By Thaksina Khaikaew BANGKOK: In a key test for Thailand's still fragile, corruption-ridden democracy, the country's first election for a Senate appears to have produced both idealistic individuals and godfather figures with links to political parties. The contest for 200 Senate seats among 1,521 candidates was billed as one between the people's emerging power and traditional money politics. The election for the Senate, empowered to act as a powerful watchdog over the political scene, does not affect the make-up of Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai's government. Officials results were to be announced Sunday morning, but early counts showed democracy activists and human rights workers as well as those suspected of underworld activities garnering quantities of votes. Rampant vote-buying marred the violence-free election. Saiyud Kerdpol, deputy chairman of one independent poll watch group, said after polls closed that his network had received thousands of phone calls complaining about fraud and other irregularities. "To determine whether it was fair or not, we have to look into the results and investigate the reported frauds," he said. About 200 residents on Bangkok's northern outskirts complained to police that they were told they had already voted upon arrival at the polls. Balloting in the area was halted pending the Election Commission's decision on what to do. "It is disappointing and unbelievable. It is necessary to show your identity papers and leave a fingerprint before you vote. The officials must find out what happened and explain it to us," said Chulalak Promduang, who came home from the United States just to vote. The vote is the first test of political reform under Thailand's 1997 constitution, which attempts to increase citizens' participation in politics while limiting the influence of money and special interests. "It is the first time we can chose our own Senate. I do not know if the senators will help make anything better, but we must give it a try," said grocery store owner La-mied Nathee, 61. It also marks the first time since Thailand adopted constitutional rule 68 years ago that senators will be elected rather than appointed. Organizers see the vote as a test-run for an election for the more powerful House of Representatives that must be held by November. Under the 1997 constitution, senators, who will serve six-year terms, are empowered to remove corrupt officials and politicians, including the prime minister. To prevent money and special-interest groups from influencing the campaigning, candidates were forbidden to affiliate themselves with a political party. They could hand out pamphlets about their background and introduce themselves at rallies, but they were not allowed to advertise or campaign in any other way, nor were they supposed to discuss their policies. Still, the stringent regulations did not eliminate all unscrupulous behavior, and monitors reported vote-buying in every province and arrests of canvassers caught handing out bills in exchange for promised votes. Police Lt. Gen. Kowit Wattana said the highest fees - 2,000 baht ($54) per vote - were paid in Bangkok. Kowit estimated that at least 20 billion baht ($540 million) will have changed hands in the feverish bid for votes. The limits on campaign activities coupled with a bewildering array of candidates - 265 are vying for 18 seats in Bangkok alone - left many voters confused. The Senate is ideally a nonpartisan body composed of people from all walks of life. But political analysts say that some 70 percent of candidates have political connections. Among the contestants were the wives of the interior and justice ministers. "I am really against the idea of letting politician's wives and relatives become candidates. It will not help bring about any change," said Payom Chaithong, a 52-year-old businessman who voted for a lawyer with no links to politicians. Probable winners included Pratheep Ungsongtham, known as the "Slum Angel" for her work among Bangkok's poorest residents, and Mechai Viravaidya, internationally recognized for his birth control and anti-AIDS campaigns. Others include persons suspected of engaging in gambling, extortion rackets and other crimes. Within Thailand's still entrenched patronage system, senators can use their position and power to demand bribes in exchange for favors. Many in Thailand are willing to pay large sums for a position in the government, police or military, calculating they will eventually reap far more through illegal means.(AP) For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service
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