Political Participation of Citizens in Voting for Members of Nong Hua Fan Subdistrict Municipality Council, Kham Sakaesaeng District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province Ratchasima Province

Abstract

Public participation in local politics is a cornerstone of democratic governance, especially in municipal elections, which represent the closest level of government to the people. Nonetheless, local political engagement remains a challenge that necessitates continuous study and development to promote effective and sustainable participation.

This study aimed to 1. examine the level of political participation among citizens in exercising their voting rights for the election of municipal council members in Nong Hua Fan Subdistrict, Kham Sakaesaeng District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and 2. identify approaches to promote political participation in the voting process. A mixed-methods approach was employed. The sample consisted of eligible voters aged 18 years and above residing in Nong Hua Fan Subdistrict, selected using Yamane's formula for sample size determination. Data collection tools included 1. questionnaires and 2. interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis and descriptive writing. The findings showed that: 1. The overall level of political participation in voting was moderate. Among specific aspects, voting activities had the highest mean score, followed by public expression of opinions, while participation through actions recorded the lowest mean score. 2. The approaches to enhance political participation included: 1. organizing training sessions to educate citizens about electoral laws and civic duties in a democratic system, and 2. encouraging citizens to engage in observing campaign speeches and verifying electoral information accuracy.

The findings indicate that the overall level of political participation among citizens is moderate, with voting activities being the most prominent aspect. In contrast, public expression of opinions and active participation through actions remain at a low level. Recommendations for improvement emphasize the importance of educating citizens about their rights and responsibilities as democratic citizens and promoting their engagement in the electoral process to enhance transparency and foster effective political participation.

The development of political participation among citizens in the Nong Hua Fan municipality should be conducted systematically, focusing on enhancing knowledge and understanding of governance and the electoral process. This should be accompanied by the creation of diverse and easily accessible participation channels. Collaboration between government agencies, local administrative organizations, and civil society is a crucial factor in improving the effectiveness of citizens' political participation. This will lead to the strengthening and sustainability of local democracy