Surprise! Sawaeng Says Don't Vote If You're Not Confident, Sparking Call for Electoral Reform

Parit Wacharasindhu, spokesperson for the People's Party, expressed shock at Election Commission (EC) Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee's controversial statement telling people not to vote if they lack confidence in election commissioners. He argued that this is precisely why citizens should participate in the referendum and vote to reform the Election Commission, making it more responsive to public needs. Parit emphasized that the EC's primary role is to protect and facilitate citizens' voting rights, and such discouraging statements are inappropriate for an organization meant to encourage civic participation. He highlighted the public's growing frustration, as evidenced by over a million social media shares criticizing the EC, and called for systemic reforms to make independent organizations truly accountable to the people.