ELECTION MANAGEMENT AND THE READINESS OF THE ELECTION COMMISSION AFFECTING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LOCAL ELECTIONS IN PHRA NAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aimed to: 1) examine the level of effectiveness of local elections; 2) analyze election management and the readiness of the Election Commission affecting the effectiveness of local elections in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province; and 3) propose guidelines for improving the effectiveness of local elections in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. The study employed a mixed-methods research design based on management concepts and theories proposed by Henri Fayol, John Sheldrake (1996), Downing and Thackrey (1971), and Gibson et al. (1982). The quantitative component targeted a population of 820,451 residents aged 18 years and over living in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. A sample size of 384 respondents was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan table. Data were collected using a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis. The qualitative component involved in-depth interviews with 15 key informants, consisting of local politicians, officials from local administrative organizations, and general citizens. Qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis.

          The findings revealed that the overall effectiveness of local elections in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province was at a high level. When examined by dimension, all five dimensions were rated at a high level. The production dimension recorded the highest mean score, followed by satisfaction, adaptability, and development, while efficiency showed the lowest mean score. Furthermore, five factors related to election management and the readiness of the Election Commission—namely planning, controlling, physical resources, intellectual capacity, and environmental factors—jointly predicted the effectiveness of local elections at 65.7 percent, with statistical significance at the .05 level. The study suggests that appropriate allocation of resources and budget should be emphasized to promote knowledge development and enhance personnel capacity through continuous training and skill development. Such measures would improve operational efficiency and enhance the overall quality of local elections.