The National Election Committee (NEC) on June 3 stressed a called for all political parties – and their candidates, agents and supporters – and media outlets to maintain a calm atmosphere during the 48-hour period from the onset of June 4 for the commune council elections.

In a letter, NEC chairman Prach Chan underscored that stakeholders must respect the rules, instructions, protocols and established ethical principles concerning the June 5 commune elections.

“Authorities at all levels in charge of security, public order and relevant works must be cooperative with NEC and election commissions at all levels to ensure safety, security, public order and orderly conduct.

“During the period, strict measures have to be implemented to prevent any kind of action or phenomenon that may obstruct the elections, such as by preventing voters from going to vote, causing disorientation that would undermine public trust in the elections, or interrupting the electoral process or vote count,” he said.

Chan warned that the NEC would take strict legal action against any act that runs counter to the commune election law.

The commune election campaign season, which kicked off on May 21 and ended on June 3, went smoothly, without violence, and with the highly-active participation of the public, according to the NEC.