The Election Commission (EC) has warned election candidates and political parties not to engage in activities outside of their political remit that might sway people into voting for them until parliament finishes its tenure next year as this could be deemed as vote-buying.
According to the EC, parliament's term concludes on March 23 and both candidates and parties must comply with the law on the election of MPs which stipulates a 180-day period ahead of the end of the term during which parties are limited in the resources they can use to canvas for votes.
This period begins on Saturday, according to the EC, and overt campaigning is off limits and will be considered a breach of Section 73 of the law prohibiting election candidates from offering assets or other benefits to persuade constituents to vote in their favour.
The section also forbids them from holding entertainment activities as part of their election campaigns or from hosting meals to woo voters.
According to the EC, poll candidates and parties must keep the receipts of all costs incurred by campaign activities, and these must be included in their income and spending accounts which will later be submitted to the EC for scrutiny.
A source at the EC said the poll chiefs are more concerned about illegal campaigns than the cost of legitimate activities.
This is because illegal campaign events are excluded from the calculation of candidates' income and spending anyway and only costs incurred from legal activities, such as paying for the making of posters or hiring trucks are deductible, the source said.
From Saturday, poll candidates are banned from actions that violate the law such as handing out relief items to flood victims or people infected with Covid-19 because this could be considered vote-buying.
Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, the Seri Ruam Thai Party's policy steering chairman, said on Monday the EC should provide more details about the do's and don'ts during the 180-day period to prevent confusion and ensure a level playing field.
"The EC must provide clear guidelines for politicians to follow, not just issue warnings,'' said Mr Somchai, who formerly served as an election commissioner.
Mr Somchai noted that the 180-day period will be cut short in the event of House dissolution before the end of parliament's tenure.
Expenses incurred over the past four years but before the 180-day period from giving out items to others will be included in the calculation, Mr Somchai said.
Natthawut Buaprathum, a deputy leader and list MP of the Move Forward Party, said although he was not worried about the move, the EC should provide guidelines and answer any queries MPs might have.
