‘New normal’ hits Lampang vote

June 20 by-election to test Election Commission’s poll plans, writes Mongkol Bangprapa

The June 20 by-election in Lampang is serving as a testing ground for the Election Commission (EC) as it imposes a “new normal” on poll arrangements to ensure they are keeping with Covid-19 restrictions.

The EC is preparing for a by-election in Lampang’s Constituency 4, prompted by the death of sitting MP Itthirat Chantarasurin of the main opposition Pheu Thai Party on May 7. The poll will be held on June 20.

The by-election, however, will be unlike others held previously. The EC is laying the groundwork around Covid-19 norms and restrictions.

Metha Silapunt, the EC deputy secretary-general for election administration, said the “new normal” poll procedures will be the standard until the Covid-19 crisis is over, during which time many more by-elections and polls are likely to take place.

The June 20 by-election will conform to health safety requirements. Poll officials on the ground will conduct the “basics”, such as practising social distancing and wearing masks or face shields and gloves.

Mr Metha said some poll-related regulations will be issued to forbid many people turning up at polling stations at once, such as a ban on educational outlets from being used as venues for casting ballots, seeking permission to deliver ballot boxes to designated storerooms during curfew assuming it remains in force by then and temporarily waiving 14-day quarantine rules for voters.

Training for election staff — dictated by Covid-19 curbs — is also in the works. They are trained to conduct candidacy registrations, supervise election canvassing and count ballots in a virus transmissionsafe environment.

Changes will take place in the distribution of equipment to polling stations. Instead of receiving the equipment, including ballot boxes, at district offices as in the past, officials will pick them up at the tambon administrative organisations or municipal offices. They will do that at staggered hours to prevent too many people converging at the same time.

Candidacy registration will be performed in open areas to permit a distance of 1-1.5 metres between people, or one person per 7-square metres.

State authorities will not take to the streets encouraging voters to cast a ballot as they have done in the past. The message will communicated via broadcast towers in villages or by moving vehicles.

“We expect about three people will vie for the candidacy in the by-election,” Mr Metha said, adding the EC predicted the Covid-19 situation could push up voter turnout.

“Many residents have returned to Lampang from overseas and other provinces and they are staying put because of the travel restrictions,” he said. If the trend continues until by-election day, there might be a record turnout, he added.

In addition to observing existing bans on activities, including entertainment shows during election campaigns and handing out candidacy public relations handbills, organisers must ensure social distancing is strictly observed during electioneering.

The number of people attending a campaign speech are capped at 100. It might be necessary to open many small rallies rather than holding a few big ones, according to the EC deputy secretary-general.

He added that polling stations will increase from 321 to 400 in Constituency 4 so each one will accommodate no more than 600 voters, down from 1,000 at each station in last year’s general election.

Before entering polling stations, voters will be checked to see if they have a fever, be prompted to wear a face mask if they do not have one on, and will be asked to wash their hands and to sit in an area to wait their turn.

Mr Metha said the EC will hire at least three village health volunteers to work in each polling station. They will help conduct health checks including measuring voters’ temperature. Those with fever will be directed to isolated polling cubicles to cast their votes before they are brought to a local medical facility for a Covid-19 test.

An extra budget will be sought from the EC for hiring more election workers and procuring health screening equipment.

Mr Metha said permission will be obtained allowing poll officials to deliver ballots for counting at designated locations during the curfew. Political party representatives will also tag along to observe the delivery to prevent foul play.

The curfew hours have now been cut by one hour to between 11pm-4am.

The proposed measures compliant with Covid-19 restrictions will be raised at the EC meeting tomorrow.

‘‘ We expect about three people will vie for the candidacy.

METHA SILAPUNT EC DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR ELECTION ADMINISTRATION