UPDATE: The Phuket branch of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT Phuket) has confirmed the election will be held on May 11.
The Phuket branch of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT Phuket) has announced key guidelines for candidates planning to run in the upcoming municipal elections, as current municipal council members and mayors will complete their terms on Mar 27.
Under the Local Council Member or Local Administrator Election Act, a new election must be held within 45 days of that date.
According to the notice shared by ECT Phuket, to ensure fairness and orderliness in campaigning the Election Commission of Thailand has outlined the following regulations:
- Campaign Expense Limits: Candidates’ campaign expenses will be calculated starting from 180 days before the end of the current term, beginning on Sept 28, 2024, and continuing until election day. This is in accordance with Section 61 (1) of the Local Government Election Act.
- Campaign Period: Candidates may begin campaigning from Sept 28, 2024 until 6pm on the day before the election, as per Section 64 (1) of the same act.
- Campaign Conduct Regulations: All election campaigns must comply with Section 65 of the Local Government Election Act and related Election Commission regulations, which prohibit certain actions and ensure fair competition.
The Election Commission emphasised that these regulations aim to prevent the misuse of official positions for electoral advantage and to uphold fairness in the electoral process. Candidates are urged to adhere strictly to these guidelines.
Further details on the election schedule and procedures will be announced in due course, the ECT announcement said.
In accordance with election law, the municipal elections will invoke a 24-hour ban on the sale of alcohol from 6pm the day before the election through to 6pm on the day of the election.
The 24-hour ban on the sale of alcohol for Makha Bucha Day today will conclude at midnight tonight.