The Election Fee (EC) has warned election candidates plus political parties never to engage in activities beyond their political remit that might sway people into voting on their behalf until parliament surface finishes its tenure the coming year as this could be deemed as vote-buying.
According to the EC, parliament’s term proves on March twenty three and both applicants and parties should comply with the law for the election of MPs which stipulates a 180-day period ahead of the end of the phrase during which parties are usually limited in the resources they can use to canvas for votes.
This period starts on Saturday, according to the EC, and overt campaigning is away limits and will be regarded a breach of Section 73 from the law prohibiting political election candidates from providing assets or other benefits to persuade constituents to election in their favour.
The area also forbids all of them from holding amusement activities as part of their particular election campaigns or from hosting foods to woo voters.
According to the EC, poll applicants and parties should keep the receipts of most costs incurred simply by campaign activities, that must be included in their income and spending accounts which will later be submitted towards the EC for scrutiny.
A source at the EC said the poll chiefs are more concerned about unlawful campaigns than the cost of legitimate activities.
This is because illegal campaign events are excluded from the calculation of candidates’ revenue and spending anyway and only costs incurred from legal actions, such as paying for the making of posters or hiring vehicles are deductible, the origin said.
From Saturday, vote candidates are prohibited from actions that violate the law such as handing out relief items to flood victims or even people infected with Covid-19 because this might be considered vote-buying.
Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, the Seri Ruam Thai Party’s policy steering chairman, mentioned yesterday the EC should provide more information about the do’s plus don’ts during the 180-day period to prevent dilemma and ensure a level playing field.
“The EC must provide clear recommendations for politicians to follow, not just issue alerts, ” said Mr Somchai, who formerly served as an selection commissioner.
Mr Somchai mentioned that the 180-day time period will be cut brief in the event of House dissolution before the end of parliament’s tenure.
Expenses sustained over the past four yrs but before the 180-day period from offering items to others is going to be included in the calculation, Mr Somchai said.
Natthawut Buaprathum, a deputy innovator and list MEGA-PIXEL of the Move Forward Party, said although he was not worried about the move, the EC should provide recommendations and answer any kind of queries MPs may have.