The secretariat for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced today that it aims to achieve 70% voter turnout for the Mar. 3 Bangkok governor’s election, a rate roughly 20% higher than that achieved during the 2009 governor’s election.
BMA deputy permanent secretary Jumpol Sumpaopol said that he would beef up his communications plan for targeting eligible voters in Bangkok after the candidacy registration period had concluded on Jan. 25. His strategies include providing clear maps of polling booths in each district, setting up at least 13 teams of officers in each district to knock on residents’ doors and induce them to vote, and asking students to convince their parents to cast votes.
Jumpol also ordered more tents be set up at each polling booth to ensure high voter turnout even in the event of rain or extreme heat. Out of 6,000 voting booths throughout the capital, only half are scheduled for setup indoors.
According to Dailynews, the voter turnout ratio in 2009’s gubernatorial election was 51%. There are 25 candidates competing in this year’s election on Mar. 3.
