The Washington Post, once again, has an incisive editorial on Thailand. It says that the political system under the junta-drafted constitution, if it is to be what the anti-democratic conservatives suggest, will be phony democracy. With dissent criminalized, political debate has been dominated by reactionary members of the urban elite who reject democracy. Their suggestions for the new constitution, which the army intends to draft before holding elections, include increasing the power of a biased Electoral Commission and reserving a portion of the legislature for the military. . . . The junta can continue down its repressive path, which will likely lead to unrest. Or, mindful of public opinion, it can restore civil liberties and return the country to democratic rule before fall 2015, as promised. This latter option must come with a constitution approved by referendum, with an elected legislature and mechanisms to ensure neutrality in the judiciary. The Post also calls on the US to put more pressure on the junta, and stand with democracy when its last vital signs are fading. The USs smartest bet is not with the traditional elite but with a democracy that respects both the vocal minority and silent majority.
Posted on: Sun, 20 Jul 2014 09:29:43 +0000
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