Chuck Bao
4/6/2011, 02:08 PM
I have mentioned before about anti-democracy groups. These are excerpts from an editorial in the Bangkok Post today which really does get to the point. Honestly, it scares the crap out of me. Thailand’s leading English language newspaper, frankly speaking, is normally pretty limp wristed and the paper is owned by some of the large business groups who do not like to make waves on politics. This op-ed piece basically is calling out Thais to stand up for democracy. It’s pretty chilling from where I sit.
Without general elections, catastrophe!
Published: 6/04/2011
I never thought there would be a need to defend the absolute necessity for the expected upcoming elections to actually take place and for their outcome to be recognized and respected by all.
Unfortunately, we are seeing signs of a rather sinister movement to derail the elections and subvert democratic procedures, obviously enjoying the backing of some highly influential people.
First we had Election Commissioner Sodsri Satayathum stating that an election is not desirable at this time. Then two key leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy, started advocating that Thailand should "go without an election for four to five years to get all systems properly adjusted before calling an election". In the event of an election, the two are calling on the public to mark the "no vote" box on ballot papers.
In my view, army chief Gen Prayuth Chanocha's assurances that the military supports the elections and will not stage a coup, while welcome, are not fully reassuring.
The anti-election advocates seem to envision some kind of national government that would clean up Thai politics and restore order to the country. With the present degree of political activism and political polarization in Thai society, if these advocates have their way, the consequences to our country will be absolutely devastating.
We will be facing disturbances and civil war similar to what is happening in Libya, political genocide, isolation from the international community, economic and social disaster.
Of course I know all the arguments against "Thai democracy": "Elections won't solve our problems." "Appointed governments have achieved better results than elected governments." The unsolvable problems of corrupt politicians, vote-buying, self-interest, etc, etc.
I'm not pretending that the upcoming elections will result in major reforms of our society or lead to quick political reconciliation.
But at least they will help to indicate the wishes of the people and set the scene for political dialogue with a view to future political reconciliation and agreements on constitutional reforms.
Not only do the elections need to take place, but their results need to be respected by all.
Members of the public of all political colors who support the democratic system (I'm sure this is the overwhelming majority) need to voice strong support for free and fair elections.
Without general elections, catastrophe!
Published: 6/04/2011
I never thought there would be a need to defend the absolute necessity for the expected upcoming elections to actually take place and for their outcome to be recognized and respected by all.
Unfortunately, we are seeing signs of a rather sinister movement to derail the elections and subvert democratic procedures, obviously enjoying the backing of some highly influential people.
First we had Election Commissioner Sodsri Satayathum stating that an election is not desirable at this time. Then two key leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy, started advocating that Thailand should "go without an election for four to five years to get all systems properly adjusted before calling an election". In the event of an election, the two are calling on the public to mark the "no vote" box on ballot papers.
In my view, army chief Gen Prayuth Chanocha's assurances that the military supports the elections and will not stage a coup, while welcome, are not fully reassuring.
The anti-election advocates seem to envision some kind of national government that would clean up Thai politics and restore order to the country. With the present degree of political activism and political polarization in Thai society, if these advocates have their way, the consequences to our country will be absolutely devastating.
We will be facing disturbances and civil war similar to what is happening in Libya, political genocide, isolation from the international community, economic and social disaster.
Of course I know all the arguments against "Thai democracy": "Elections won't solve our problems." "Appointed governments have achieved better results than elected governments." The unsolvable problems of corrupt politicians, vote-buying, self-interest, etc, etc.
I'm not pretending that the upcoming elections will result in major reforms of our society or lead to quick political reconciliation.
But at least they will help to indicate the wishes of the people and set the scene for political dialogue with a view to future political reconciliation and agreements on constitutional reforms.
Not only do the elections need to take place, but their results need to be respected by all.
Members of the public of all political colors who support the democratic system (I'm sure this is the overwhelming majority) need to voice strong support for free and fair elections.