But calls for action to back up words
October 12^th, 2007
 
The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) welcomes Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont's call for a fair election without money politics, made on his first day as Interior Minister. ANFREL calls on political parties, the Elections Commission of Thailand (ECT), the government and voters themselves to make this aspiration a reality.
 
In particular, concrete action must be taken to eliminate vote-buying.
 
"Political parties must cooperate more with the Election Commission and adhere to the laws of this country. All candidates must be transparent by disclosing their sources of revenue and exactly how they are spending their money," said ANFREL Project Coordinator Mr. Ichal Supriadi.
 
"The ECT should then cross-check what candidates say they are spending money on with the reality by doing random checks in certain provinces.
 
"Voters should also show greater responsibility by refusing to accept money for votes. By taking cash, people are only encouraging more corruption. The general public needs to change if we want to build a clean political culture."
 
While Prime Minister Surayud's comments are well received, ANFREL encourages the government to follow up on this action by taking meaningful steps itself.
 
"If the government want a freer election, they must lift martial law. If people feel as if they are being targeted unfairly because of who they have supported politically in the past, the election will lack legitimacy.
 
"Government bodies such as the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) must also refrain from any interference. If democracy is to be restored to Thailand, the people must believe that the result is a fair reflection of public opinion, and not the outcome of manipulation by special interests," Mr. Supriadi concluded.