Over 31, 000 candidates hope to form region’s future
After the five-year expression of 250 lawmakers appointed by the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order ended on May 10, more than 31, 000 persons requested applications for senator positions.
The Election Commission expects about 100, 000 individuals to apply for 200 republic opportunities.
Here’s what you need to know about the future Senate vote.
Who may apply to become legislators?
Thai citizens who were born and who are at least 40 years old may use. They must also have at least ten years of professional experience.
They may not carry a political office nor be people of any political party. They must not be employed by state organizations or be one of the 250 lawmakers currently in session.
They must not be the owners of any size media. They must not have been medicine users, bankers, or prisoners of war in the previous ten years.
Former politicians or those in political positions may apply if they have n’t worked there for at least five years.
How do individuals use?
To fit in, those who are serious must select one of 20 expert types. The categories are those who have worked in the state service, legal, education, public health, farming, fishing, cattle farming and forestry, workers in the private sector and labourers, environment- related businesses, small and medium enterprises ( SMEs ), those who work for large organizations, tourism, industrial users, science, technology and innovation, people, seniors, those with disabilities and ethnic groups, musicians and athletes, civic organizations and NGOs, mass advertising and writers, consultants, and others.
Those who apply may provide evidence that they were born in, or studied, worked, or resided in the area for at least two centuries. The program deadline is May 20- 24 and the price is 2, 500 ringgit.
How do they ballot?
People don’t instantly voting for their senators. The right to vote is reserved for just candidates. They may select individuals from other categories after casting their ballots within the one in which they apply.
The system is known as the” ego- choice” approach. This will be the kingdom’s second time implementing the program.
Voting did have three ranges: district, provincial and national rates.
At each stage, there are two types of election. Candidates must first select two ideal candidates for their class. The best five seats in each group will be eligible for cross-group election.
In scenario, the number of individuals in any type is lower than five, all individuals can get through. However, a lucky draw system will be used if any individuals receive similar votes.
For the mix- party vote, 20 types may be divided into four groups.
One candidate from each group category will win the election. The provincial level will receive the top three votes in each category. A province with a lot of districts, like Bangkok ( 50 districts ), will face fiercer competition with a province with only a few districts, like Phuket ( three districts ), thanks to this system.
Only the top two with the most votes in each category will advance to the national level for the provincial level. At the national level, the top 10 in each category will be senators.
Timeline for voting and results?
Election Commission (EC ) candidates will have five days after the registration period ends on May 24 before May 29’s candidate list for each district is released.
On June 9, the first election will be held at the district level, followed by provincial elections on June 16 and national elections on June 26. On July 2, the results will be released.
Dos &, Do n’ts
Candidates are unable to canvas for votes, according to the EC. When they submit an application, they may include their qualifications on two A4 pages. To determine who to vote for, candidates in their district will receive the information.
Candidates can use social media to tell themselves about themselves, but they are unable to run campaigns or speak in front of the general public. They are banned from putting up posters, handing out brochures, organising any events to promote themselves, or mentioning the monarchy.
Candidates who receive support from political parties, politicians, or other candidates will face punishment and be denied their electoral rights.
What kind of interference can political parties have in the vote?
Political observers claim that the voting system has a flaw that allows big parties to hire their voters to apply and then cast their ballots for their own citizens. In this way, parties can have senators working for them to pass laws.
What makes this election significant?
The Senate plays a crucial role, especially when the House wants to change the constitution because at least one-third of the senators would need to back it.
This new Senate will not have the right to vote for the prime minister, unlike the present 250 senators.
However, they are still able to control the appointment of members of national political bodies like the Election Commission, the Constitutional Court, the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Attorney General.
Senators with a range of backgrounds and experiences are expected to be able to represent a range of interests and work for the good of society, according to the EC.
In the end, the outcome of the election will show how well-known conservative or progressive groups are as well as whether senators are immune from political influence.