Pollwatching, Elections and Civil Society in Southeast Asia

’...Callaghan has skillfully related the empirical experience of pollwatching activities by domestic organizations in Southeast Asia to theoretical discussion on the issue of civil society.’ The Ethnic Conflict Research Digest ’...essential reading for anyone who seeks to understand Thai elections, electoral politics in Southeast Asia, and the comparative politics of election monitoring.’ Asian Affairs ’Callahan deserves praise for an interesting study on electoral systems and corruption in Southeast Asia.’ Pacifica Review ’Callahan’s book is a worthy contribution to the emerging literature that breaks from overly schematic models of democratization and civil society...Given its original research, its thoughtful consideration of relevant theoretical issues, and that it is written in a style accessible to many, this book will be well received by those who wish to further their understanding of this significant moment of democratization in Southeast Asia, and those who wish to push the process further.’ Democratization

• Contents: Overview of the Elections and PollWatch: PollWatch organization; PollWatch objectives; Electioneering; PollWatch activities: monitoring; PollWatch activities: civic education campaigns. Civil Society in Thailand and the Philippines: Civil society; Parallels: from civic organization to mass movements; Divergences: relations with the State; Parallels: alternative political cultures; Addressing political corruption in Southeast Asia; Postscript: the Election Commission of Thailand