Problems and Management Guidelines for Municipal Elections in Nok Mueang Town Municipality, Mueang Surin District, Surin Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the processes and laws relevant to the election of municipal council members and mayors in Nok Mueang Municipality, Mueang Surin District, Surin Province; 2) to examine the problems in election management of municipal council members and mayors in Nok Mueang Municipality; and 3) to explore guidelines for the election management of municipal council members and mayors in Nok Mueang Municipality. This study utilized a qualitative research methodology, incorporating documentary analysis of relevant election regulations and laws, alongside interviews. Purposive sampling was used to select 40 key informants, comprising members of the Nok Mueang Municipal Election Commission and chairpersons of polling station committees. The primary research instrument was an interview guide, and the data were analyzed using content analysis. The research findings revealed that: (1) The electoral process is divided into four stages: pre-announcement, post-announcement, election day, and post-election day. (2) The relevant legal frameworks include the Local Assembly Members or Local Executives Election Act, B.E. 2562 (2019) and its amendments; the Election Commission Regulation on Local Assembly Members or Local Executives Elections, B.E. 2562 (2019) and its amendments; the Election Commission Regulation on Campaign Methodologies and Prohibitions for Local Assembly Members or Local Executives Elections, B.E. 2563 (2020) and its Amendment (No. 2), B.E. 2563 (2020); the Election Commission Regulation on State-Provided Transportation Assistance for Voters in Local Assembly Members or Local Executives Elections, B.E. 2563 (2020); and the Election Commission Notification regarding Expense Categories for Local Assembly Members or Local Executives Elections, B.E. 2563 (2020). (3) The investigation into election challenges identified issues across three phases: pre-election, election day, and the closing of polling stations and ballot counting. (4) The guidelines developed for election management consist of: (a) enhancing the election management capacity of network organizations, and (b) reforming structural and administrative election processes, specifically by streamlining official forms to include clearer instructions and sequential steps on reporting documents, thereby minimizing confusion among local election commission members.