How to File Complaints to the Election Commission: Citizens’ Guide to Safeguarding the 2023 Election

Every vote shapes the country's future. In the 2023 election, the responsibility for ensuring transparency doesn't rest solely with officials. Citizens are the most crucial mechanism to watch whether the Election Commission (EC) acts fairly. If any irregularities or fraud are detected, we have the right to immediately investigate and file complaints through the following channels.

How can citizens monitor the Election Commission?

We can take on the role of "volunteers" or "Pineapple Eyes" to keep an eye on officials' conduct through these mechanisms.

• Observing at polling stations: Citizens have the right to closely watch vote counting at polling stations (within designated distances) and can photograph or video the "scoreboard" to compare with the official announced results.
• Monitoring via Civic Tech: Currently, civil society organizations (such as WeVis or iLaw) operate platforms that collect raw vote counts from volunteers nationwide to compare with the EC's data, preventing "suspicious numbers" or "inflated counts."
• Requesting disclosure of information: Under the Information Act, citizens can submit requests to examine the EC's budget details or procurement procedures if any irregularities are suspected.

Channels to "complain" about the Election Commission (if officials violate rules):

If it is found that EC officials act improperly, show bias, or neglect their duties, citizens can take the following actions.

Direct channels to the EC office:

• EC hotline 1444: You can immediately inquire or report initial tips.
• "Pineapple Eye" application: The Pineapple Eye app, developed by the Election Commission, allows citizens to report suspected election fraud or legal violations. Reports can include evidence such as photos, audio, videos, and text to help ensure a transparent and fair election. The app is available on both App Store and Play Store and requires registration with an ID card. Informants' identities are kept confidential.
• Submitting letters in person: At every provincial EC office or the headquarters (Chaeng Watthana).

Legal channels (for prosecuting individuals):

• Filing complaints with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC): If there is suspicion that the EC or its staff are corrupt or have unexplained wealth.
• Filing a case at the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct: In cases where there is clear evidence of misconduct or neglect of duty causing harm to others.

Proper complaint procedures:

To give your complaint weight and ensure it leads to real investigation, prepare the following information.

• Identify people/locations: Where did the incident occur? Which polling station and province?
• Description of misconduct: What illegal actions did the official commit? For example, deliberately miscounting votes, refusing to accept objections, or showing clear bias.
• Evidence: Photos, video clips, or witness testimony (if available).
• Accuracy: Information must be truthful. Fabricating false reports is a criminal offense.

The power of the people is a shield against corruption.

Transparency in the 2023 election depends not only on the Election Commission but on every "citizen's eye" watching closely. If everyone fulfills the role of observer, corruption becomes much harder, and election results will truly reflect the will of the Thai people.