The Covid-19 Digital Vote-Canvassing Networks in The 2022 Bangkok Gubernatorial Election
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Abstract
The 2022 Bangkok Gubernatorial election campaign was the first Bangkok Gubernatorial election campaign in nine years for Bangkok to hold a local election, in which candidates have to contest for Bangkok governorship under the global COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2022 Bangkok Gubernatorial Election campaign, the COVID-19 measures included the restriction of mass gatherings, the imposing of social distancing, the wearing of surgical masks in indoor and outdoor areas while campaigning and having to quarantine once infected with COVID-19. The objective of this research is to explore the various ways in which COVID-19 measures have impacted the 2022 Bangkok Gubernatorial election. The methodology used in this research includes semi-structured interviews with authorities, candidates and campaign staff of the election, observation of candidates’ images and video clips posted on candidates’ social networking and candidates’ printed election campaign materials. This paper argues that COVID-19 measures disrupted the democratic practice in the 2022 Bangkok Gubernatorial election and the COVID-19 measures have been significantly integrated into candidate’s digital vote-canvassing network, offering a hybrid election campaign where candidates seek various ways to establish and develop their relationship with followers.
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