Politicians, parties seek clarity over EC’s new electioneering regulations

Politics parties say they may be willing to comply with the Election Commission’s (EC) new electioneering rules which took impact yesterday, though they have got called for some rules to be clarified additional.

Mouthpiece Prime Minister and Democrat Party head Jurin Laksanawisit said the party is usually willing to comply, although the EC should provide further clarification on some of the regulations.

He stated he instructed celebration members to study the brand new rules carefully plus act accordingly.

”The Liberal Party wants to perform everything in line with the regulation and regulations, ” Mr Jurin mentioned.

Democrat Party spokesman Ramet Rattanachaweng said party secretary-general Chalermchai Sri-on has stressed the need for party members to observe the rules strictly when they visit their constituents.

The guidelines do not pose any kind of obstacle to their trips, Mr Ramet stated, though candidates is going to be warned not to surpass the limits on campaigning under the law, now the election season has begun.

It is these types of limits in some instances which parties want cleared up to avoid falling nasty of the rules.

Bhumjaithai Celebration leader Anutin Charnvirakul said the celebration has informed its members of the do’s and don’ts via its Line group application.

In particular, they have been cautioned not to offer presents or promises to provide anything to constituents, he or she said.

Suranand Vejjajiva, the deputy leader from the Sang Anakhot Thailänder (Building Thailand’s Future) Party, called for the EC to ensure fairness to all parties.

Campaign paper prints featuring pictures associated with party chairman Somkid Jatusripitak which usually do not conform to the size specified by the rules were taken down on Friday, Mr Suranand added.

In contrast to past elections when a period of 30 in order to 40 days had been allotted for advertising, in the upcoming polls, the new election regulation stipulates a 180-day pre-election period during which such regulations apply, according to the EC.

Starting last night, the pre-election period will run until the House of Representatives’ four-year term expires on March 23 next year.

Announced by the EC last Thursday, the particular regulations serve as a guideline for parties and would-be candidates as to what they can and cannot do among now and the day time of the election, tentatively planned for Might 7.

All expenses incurred by activities considered as electioneering is going to be counted while the optimum electioneering budget has yet to be made a decision, according to the EC.

As an example, prior to yesterday, parties had been allowed to offer flood relief of up to three hundred, 000 baht before the sum was considered to become campaign spending.

Now, during the 180-day period, celebrations are not allowed to provide any such flood alleviation, or they will encounter legal action to get violating the new law.