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party list seats. Interestingly, social media shaped the form and method of campaigning for
political parties and candidates, and influenced people’s political perceptions, resulting in
the political awareness among Chiang Mai people, especially first-time voters, to exercise
their voting rights on March 24, 2019. The role of the campaigners, the patronage system
network, and vote-buying appeared to be seen in the election, and they were important
factors in giving a chance to secure the victory of political parties and candidates,
but these factors alone did not determine victory that the candidates will win the
elections. This research study proposes that a collaborative role and concerted effort
form of the network parties among the Election Commission, political parties and political
party branches, election candidates, educational institutions, and other civil sectors in
Chiang Mai be established so that the general public can be thoroughly educated about the
electoral system and relevant laws. Organizations involved in election management and
educational institutions should encourage and support the organization of public forums
and activities to promote knowledge and understanding about laws and election systems,
which should lead to quality voting decisions that truly reflect the needs of the people.