Thailand's EC sees chance snap election 'might not happen

[webfact]

FEBRUARY ELECTION
EC sees chance snap election 'might not happen'
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE ELECTION Commission (EC) yesterday announced February 2, 2014 as the date for the snap election - but EC member Sodsri Satayathum warned the election might not happen as it is not yet clear if a winner could emerge.

Some 48 million voters would be eligible to exercise their rights in the poll. The EC has also set dates for MP candidacy registration. Those seeking party-list MP positions must apply for candidacy between December 23 and 27, and constituency MP candidates must apply between December 28 and January 1. Advance voting would be held on January 26.

Sodsri told the 97FM radio station that the Democrats might boycott the election - the way they decided not to field eight candidates in the previously set and now cancelled by-elections.

Asked if the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) had called on the EC not to stage the election, she said the EC would follow the PDRC's order if it had won the current impasse.

"[but] Thais have no experience of a 'People's Revolution'. I think the PDRC [is not in a position] to claim it has won. Now the EC must monitor closely [if there is a] winner that could take all," she said.

Meanwhile, EC Secretary-General Puchong Nutrawong said the EC affirmed in a meeting with the caretaker Cabinet yesterday that it was ready to oversee the general election.

He said he also explained to caretaker Cabinet members about EC-prohibited actions during the vote-wooing campaign - such as the transfer of high-ranking officials, the spending of central budget funds, and budget spending that would commit the Thai administration over several budget years.

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit said the party's meeting todayDecember 11 would set the vote-wooing strategies for five regions for both party-list and constituency candidates. This should be completed next week and the party would be ready once the EC set the application dates.

Prompong said many members of the "House No 111" - former executives of Thai Rak Thai - and those from the "109 executives of dissolved political parties" group would run under the party's banner.

Prompong said the meeting would unanimously vote interim premier Yingluck Shinawatra to be its Number 1 party-list candidate again.

He said the absence of the Democrat Party from the race, should it stage a boycott, would be no problem. There were 59 political parties registered with the EC including four coalition parties, such as the Bhumjaithai Party, to join the race.

Democrat Party spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut yesterday said the House dissolution wasn't the answer and urged Yingluck to find solutions and create a "suitable environment" before the February 2 election.

Chavanond urged Yingluck's government and the Pheu Thai Party to promise not to resurrect the amnesty bill and to state that they had no intention of amending the Constitution's Articles 291 and 68, and the section about the qualifications of senators.


-- The Nation 2013-12-11

[noitom]

The reason that this EC person stated that the election might not happen on Feb 2 was that it "was not yet clear if a winner could emerge." I thought that was the purpose of an election was to determine "the winner" no?

[jaidam]

Quite apparent that at least 48% of the electorate are simply too immature and lack the mental capacity to participate in an electoral process. Most serious observers agree that a better solution is for a benevolent force to lead the country while education levels and judicial/law enforcement systems are drastically improved. Suthep would be as good as anybody to assume power for the next decade to allow the democratic bedrock to be laid squarely and without the corruption and violence that has become synonymous with regime Shinawat.

[bkkfaranguy]

Quite apparent that at least 48% of the electorate are simply too immature and lack the mental capacity to participate in an electoral process. Most serious observers agree that a better solution is for a benevolent force to lead the country while education levels and judicial/law enforcement systems are drastically improved. Suthep would be as good as anybody to assume power for the next decade to allow the democratic bedrock to be laid squarely and without the corruption and violence that has become synonymous with regime Shinawat.

So apparently you would not be able to vote then!

[NongKhaiKid]

The reason that this EC person stated that the election might not happen on Feb 2 was that it "was not yet clear if a winner could emerge." I thought that was the purpose of an election was to determine "the winner" no?

Politics and Thainess. TIT

[Jasun]

EC member Sodsri Satayathum warned the election might not happen as it is not yet clear if a winner could emerge.

Of course a winner could emerge. Just not the one they may want.

[edwinchester]

 Quite apparent that at least 48% of the electorate are simply too immature and lack the mental capacity to participate in an electoral process. Most serious observers agree that a better solution is for a benevolent force to lead the country while education levels and judicial/law enforcement systems are drastically improved. Suthep would be as good as anybody to assume power for the next decade to allow the democratic bedrock to be laid squarely and without the corruption and violence that has become synonymous with regime Shinawat.

Who are these serious observers who advocate a dictatorship?

Sent from my GT-I9003 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Bender]

Quite apparent that at least 48% of the electorate are simply too immature and lack the mental capacity to participate in an electoral process. Most serious observers agree that a better solution is for a benevolent force to lead the country while education levels and judicial/law enforcement systems are drastically improved. Suthep would be as good as anybody to assume power for the next decade to allow the democratic bedrock to be laid squarely and without the corruption and violence that has become synonymous with regime Shinawat.

Who are these serious observers who advocate a dictatorship?

Sent from my GT-I9003 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

you really want to hear his answer?

[Thai at Heart]

Did the Election commission just say there could be an election with no winner.

And they want to lock up Suthep for saying unconstitutional things???

[bkkfaranguy]

Quite apparent that at least 48% of the electorate are simply too immature and lack the mental capacity to participate in an electoral process. Most serious observers agree that a better solution is for a benevolent force to lead the country while education levels and judicial/law enforcement systems are drastically improved. Suthep would be as good as anybody to assume power for the next decade to allow the democratic bedrock to be laid squarely and without the corruption and violence that has become synonymous with regime Shinawat.

Who are these serious observers who advocate a dictatorship?

Sent from my GT-I9003 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

you really want to hear his answer?

You really need to pay attention to Jaidam as he represents the true ideas of what the Dems and Suthep are trying to accomplish. The Dems/Yellows have always advocated that only the well educated should have the right to vote!

[noitom]

Quite apparent that at least 48% of the electorate are simply too immature and lack the mental capacity to participate in an electoral process. Most serious observers agree that a better solution is for a benevolent force to lead the country while education levels and judicial/law enforcement systems are drastically improved. Suthep would be as good as anybody to assume power for the next decade to allow the democratic bedrock to be laid squarely and without the corruption and violence that has become synonymous with regime Shinawat.

Your comments are the basis of most of the problems in Thailand. Almost 50% are too stupid to vote, someone like Suthep would be as good as anybody. Rampant corruption has been a part of Thai core society, government, military, police well before Mr. Thaksin.

[fab4]

Quite apparent that at least 48% of the electorate are simply too immature and lack the mental capacity to participate in an electoral process. Most serious observers agree that a better solution is for a benevolent force to lead the country while education levels and judicial/law enforcement systems are drastically improved. Suthep would be as good as anybody to assume power for the next decade to allow the democratic bedrock to be laid squarely and without the corruption and violence that has become synonymous with regime Shinawat.

Now you have completely lost it - suthep to assume power for the next decade!

The democrats are thinking of boycotting the election (something ithey've done before) and you say that the blame is on 48% of the electorate for being immature and lack the mental capacity to participate in an electoral process.

Please run me through your logical approach to that.

One thing that is sure is that the EC will need to be independant for once and closely scrutanise the dems for any pressure they put on the smaller parties not to contest election seats should the dems boycott them.

[Thai at Heart]

Quite apparent that at least 48% of the electorate are simply too immature and lack the mental capacity to participate in an electoral process. Most serious observers agree that a better solution is for a benevolent force to lead the country while education levels and judicial/law enforcement systems are drastically improved. Suthep would be as good as anybody to assume power for the next decade to allow the democratic bedrock to be laid squarely and without the corruption and violence that has become synonymous with regime Shinawat.

Your comments are the basis of most of the problems in Thailand. Almost 50% are too stupid to vote, someone like Suthep would be as good as anybody. Rampant corruption has been a part of Thai core society, government, military, police well before Mr. Thaksin.

With an average iq of 80 odd, I think you might find that half of the so called middle class intelligentsia might be way too dumb to vote also. Maybe Suthep also.

That's what makes this all so incredible. A bunch of people living in what the rest of the world would consider a semi slum thumbing their noses at their fellow countrymen because they think they are that much smarter than the other.

Manipulation of the highest order.

Edited December 11, 2013 by Thai at Heart

[Emptyset]

Quite apparent that at least 48% of the electorate are simply too immature and lack the mental capacity to participate in an electoral process. Most serious observers agree that a better solution is for a benevolent force to lead the country while education levels and judicial/law enforcement systems are drastically improved. Suthep would be as good as anybody to assume power for the next decade to allow the democratic bedrock to be laid squarely and without the corruption and violence that has become synonymous with regime Shinawat.

Who are these serious observers who advocate a dictatorship?

Sent from my GT-I9003 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Presumably the 'serious observers' are Jaidam and anyone else that agrees with him. Seems a rather self-selecting group... a bit like the 'People's Council' really...

[EvilDrSomkid]

Quite apparent that at least 48% of the electorate are simply too immature and lack the mental capacity to participate in an electoral process. Most serious observers agree that a better solution is for a benevolent force to lead the country while education levels and judicial/law enforcement systems are drastically improved. Suthep would be as good as anybody to assume power for the next decade to allow the democratic bedrock to be laid squarely and without the corruption and violence that has become synonymous with regime Shinawat.

I am taken aback by this statement and had expected better from you.

If this scenario would come to pass expect another Red Shirt riot that will be larger than 2010. It is exactly because of this attitude that some people are "too stupid" to vote correctly that the Red Shirt movement came about.

It is this arrogance and conceit by one part of the population that is so enraging to the Northerners and Isaan people.

News flash to Bangkok: Country people are not stupid (anymore) and certainly they have information to base their votes on.

I find it astounding that one part of the country simply dismisses the other part's right to vote for whoever they want.

[Asiantravel]

Quite apparent that at least 48% of the electorate are simply too immature and lack the mental capacity to participate in an electoral process. Most serious observers agree that a better solution is for a benevolent force to lead the country while education levels and judicial/law enforcement systems are drastically improved. Suthep would be as good as anybody to assume power for the next decade to allow the democratic bedrock to be laid squarely and without the corruption and violence that has become synonymous with regime Shinawat.

I think if that was imposed on the people of the North and Northeast it would simply invite another convoy of buses bringing hordes of people back to Bangkok and the rerun of 2010

[scorecard]

Did the Election commission just say there could be an election with no winner.

And they want to lock up Suthep for saying unconstitutional things???

Well the EC has it's own less than credible history, including:

- A few years back several EC commission found guilty (in court) of strongly inappropriate actions, and punished.

- About 8 days before the last general election the majority of the actual EC commissioners and a few hangers on decided to take a one week tour of one of two countries in Europe where a small handful of Thais currently resided, just to 'check' that the voting process was in place in those countries. They should have been at the front of the elections activities in Bangkok. They got highly criticized but just shrugged that off with comments about how they were entitled... .

- Several current commissioners have made a number of inappropriate comments during their term.

- During / after the last general election several commissioners made statement that no vote buying had been reported.

- During / after the last general election several commissioners made statements that it is quite impossible to detect vote buying.

- One EC commissioner at least has on several occasions has been tantrum prone and made comments that his/her level of personal respect is more important than the whole reason for existence of the EC.

If whatever body wants to try to get the whole big picture into better shape then the EC could be one body that needs serious study and some new blood and new thinking injected very quickly. A new policy that all elections must be monitored by credible outside* agencies could be well worth serious consideration. (*outside could mean both Thai and foreign based credible agencies.)

Edited December 11, 2013 by scorecard

[jaidam]

Quite apparent that at least 48% of the electorate are simply too immature and lack the mental capacity to participate in an electoral process. Most serious observers agree that a better solution is for a benevolent force to lead the country while education levels and judicial/law enforcement systems are drastically improved. Suthep would be as good as anybody to assume power for the next decade to allow the democratic bedrock to be laid squarely and without the corruption and violence that has become synonymous with regime Shinawat.

I think if that was imposed on the people of the North and Northeast it would simply invite another convoy of buses bringing hordes of people back to Bangkok and the rerun of 2010

Precisely why the end result of this mayhem that started with an asset concealment over 10 years ago will be the division of Thailand into 2 countries. Isaan and the north will be cast off and will forever be run by clan Shinawatra as a feudal state, while the more educated and affluent south will maintain a constitutional monarchy with a fairly liberal mildly socialist democracy. My only concern is that the razor wire fence is sufficiently high and the guards properly armed to ensure the northerners stay exactly where they chose.

[englishoak]

Quite apparent that at least 48% of the electorate are simply too immature and lack the mental capacity to participate in an electoral process. Most serious observers agree that a better solution is for a benevolent force to lead the country while education levels and judicial/law enforcement systems are drastically improved. Suthep would be as good as anybody to assume power for the next decade to allow the democratic bedrock to be laid squarely and without the corruption and violence that has become synonymous with regime Shinawat.

An astounding opinion and about as sick and stuck up crap as can be in regards to how you see peoples rights to a voice.

Apart from anything else you said which i wont go into as others can rip you to shreds on that, ill simply point out the most dumbass thing you said.

There is no such thing as a democratic anything if there is no freedom to vote let alone a bedrock, you hypocrite.

Oh and your clearly just trolling ... long night in the bars was it ?

Edited December 11, 2013 by englishoak

[Local Drunk]

Quite apparent that at least 48% of the electorate are simply too immature and lack the mental capacity to participate in an electoral process. Most serious observers agree that a better solution is for a benevolent force to lead the country while education levels and judicial/law enforcement systems are drastically improved. Suthep would be as good as anybody to assume power for the next decade to allow the democratic bedrock to be laid squarely and without the corruption and violence that has become synonymous with regime Shinawat.

Who are these serious observers who advocate a dictatorship?

Sent from my GT-I9003 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Presumably the 'serious observers' are Jaidam and anyone else that agrees with him. Seems a rather self-selecting group... a bit like the 'People's Council' really...

Empty what I think jaidam is saying is there is a serious problem in Thailand regarding Thai's basic understanding of their electoral process and how their system of government works. As far as observers go, (I feel safe in saying that you can't even punch a ballot here) I'd argue that you know more about Thai politics and their system of government than most middle class Thais. Why is that? Why do we argue politics and understand their system of government better than they do when we don't really have a say in the matter? There's no logical reason for this except to say,"We want our say." and that say is born in what we've learned.

[Asiantravel]

Quite apparent that at least 48% of the electorate are simply too immature and lack the mental capacity to participate in an electoral process. Most serious observers agree that a better solution is for a benevolent force to lead the country while education levels and judicial/law enforcement systems are drastically improved. Suthep would be as good as anybody to assume power for the next decade to allow the democratic bedrock to be laid squarely and without the corruption and violence that has become synonymous with regime Shinawat.

I think if that was imposed on the people of the North and Northeast it would simply invite another convoy of buses bringing hordes of people back to Bangkok and the rerun of 2010

Precisely why the end result of this mayhem that started with an asset concealment over 10 years ago will be the division of Thailand into 2 countries. Isaan and the north will be cast off and will forever be run by clan Shinawatra as a feudal state, while the more educated and affluent south will maintain a constitutional monarchy with a fairly liberal mildly socialist democracy. My only concern is that the razor wire fence is sufficiently high and the guards properly armed to ensure the northerners stay exactly where they chose.

be careful what you wish for. Don't forget, which side of the razor wire fence will be sitting on swampland

[JRSoul]

Nice of Propong to announce the results, again, of a party vote that has not yet been taken. Democracy in action, PTP style.

The concept of a democratically elected dictatorship, especially one based on venality, is a little hard to swallow.

[catmac]

Clealy Suthep's attitude of "we are the master race" and all those kwais in Isaan are just "untermenchen" is shared by quite a few of the usual suspects on TV.

I've rarely read such elitist, sneering drivel in my life. Adolph Hitler would have been proud of you.

[sawadee1947]

if Democrats would boycott elections it would be a desaster for Thailand. The BAHT would drop - good for Farangs - and economy would decrease, Tourists would stay away and Thailand would find itself in the biggest crisis ever

[northernjohn]

Quite apparent that at least 48% of the electorate are simply too immature and lack the mental capacity to participate in an electoral process. Most serious observers agree that a better solution is for a benevolent force to lead the country while education levels and judicial/law enforcement systems are drastically improved. Suthep would be as good as anybody to assume power for the next decade to allow the democratic bedrock to be laid squarely and without the corruption and violence that has become synonymous with regime Shinawa

benevolent force to lead the country

I agree with that. but where and how to find such a force. the impracticability of finding it is so insurmountable that it negates the Idea. What that would imply is a non human. Some one willing to do nothing but the right thing no matter how negatively it would affect them.

So now let us look at a reasonable compromise. In my opinion Suthep would not be the man for the job. He is great at stirring people up and keeping them there he is a great leader for that. But what the country needs is change based on reality and honesty. It would be hard to find such a man.

He would need to be self sufficient with out any thing more than the government pay check needed. He could or would have money not dependent on government decisions. He would need to be able to say hay you are a great guy but I am going to have to discard you. You are not helping the people of Thailand. He would have to be able to say I am sorry this hurts you but for the greater good of Thailand it must be done.

He would need people to support him and still tell him they believe he is wrong there is a better way and willing to discuss it with him. He in turn willing to listen and if it is a better idea use it.

Maybe I am PTP knocking but when they charge Abhist and Suthep with murder of over 90 people and then vote 305 to 0 to drop the charges if they can annul a two year prison sentience and charges against their leader for other corruption occurrences. It makes me wonder over 90 murders according to them willing to forget them if There convicted leader go's free.Hardly the people I want to see as leaders.

Are they the kind of people we want running the country? I am trying to stick with the people we have today as they are today not as they were 20 years ago. Allow them to change just as you have changed in 20 years. At least I hope you have.

Last but not least how long would it take to change the education system It would take at least one generation and probably two. Reform the police department. How long to do that. It would require the dismissal of many officers and the replacing them with honest people. How long to find that many honest people. Look at the one test they took where the cheating was so bad they had to throw the whole thing out. Make the tests open to all no money needed to take them. That would give them a much wider field to choose from and more honest people a chance to take the test. Then supply them with uniforms and gun's along with a decent wage. Also promote them based on their ability to do the right thing.

It would be a formidable task and one I do not believe a peoples committee could achieve being as the length of time involved in achieving it. Two generations just to change the schooling one to learn how to teach and the second one to learn.

If it was to come to pass I would have to say Abhist is at the moment the most qualified to do the job. But he like us all has his own problems.

What is the answer well an election on Feb. 2 2014 is scheduled let it take place and see how much progress the country hasmade in it's ability to select better people. I am sure with all that has been happening in the last few years more people are waking up and saying this is wrong. they might not put in the people we want but they will put in people less daring and greedy to carry on the way the present government is carrying on. I do not believe we would see a majority government it would be a minority one. Hopefully one with a leader willing to publicly admit what ground he has to give to attain support from a party that does not want some thing in. Generally it would bee some thing the public does not want the people to know.

Dream over back to the battle for control for the power.

[Emptyset]

Quite apparent that at least 48% of the electorate are simply too immature and lack the mental capacity to participate in an electoral process. Most serious observers agree that a better solution is for a benevolent force to lead the country while education levels and judicial/law enforcement systems are drastically improved. Suthep would be as good as anybody to assume power for the next decade to allow the democratic bedrock to be laid squarely and without the corruption and violence that has become synonymous with regime Shinawat.

Who are these serious observers who advocate a dictatorship?

Sent from my GT-I9003 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Presumably the 'serious observers' are Jaidam and anyone else that agrees with him. Seems a rather self-selecting group... a bit like the 'People's Council' really...

Empty what I think jaidam is saying is there is a serious problem in Thailand regarding Thai's basic understanding of their electoral process and how their system of government works. As far as observers go, (I feel safe in saying that you can't even punch a ballot here) I'd argue that you know more about Thai politics and their system of government than most middle class Thais. Why is that? Why do we argue politics and understand their system of government better than they do when we don't really have a say in the matter? There's no logical reason for this except to say,"We want our say." and that say is born in what we've learned.

Well, maybe, but then I also think I know more about UK politics than most people in the UK (where I can vote). In fact, I am sometimes shocked at their ignorance, lol. Many people don't even know the difference between left or right wing politics or what the various party stances are on the basic issues - though given they're very similar these days, that's understandable. I remember during the last 2010 election, I went for a hair cut and the young hairdresser asked me 'What's this voting thing for then? What's it all about?' ... seriously. I was actually at a loss as to how to answer her so I didn't say anything. My great-grandmother though, was only educated to the age of 14, from a working class rural background, yet even in her dotage was fully aware of the issues surrounding her vote.

So what does all this mean? Should we take the vote away from people we think are stupid and unable to see politics in the way we think they should? Is there a way to educate people so they'll vote in the right way? Or do we just support the democratic process, knowing that though it might produce results we don't like, it's still the only just basis on which to ground sovereignty? Imo, the only way people will become educated in democracy isn't through school, but by participation in the system itself.

[billd766]

Quite apparent that at least 48% of the electorate are simply too immature and lack the mental capacity to participate in an electoral process. Most serious observers agree that a better solution is for a benevolent force to lead the country while education levels and judicial/law enforcement systems are drastically improved. Suthep would be as good as anybody to assume power for the next decade to allow the democratic bedrock to be laid squarely and without the corruption and violence that has become synonymous with regime Shinawat.

Now you have completely lost it - suthep to assume power for the next decade!

The democrats are thinking of boycotting the election (something ithey've done before) and you say that the blame is on 48% of the electorate for being immature and lack the mental capacity to participate in an electoral process.

Please run me through your logical approach to that.

One thing that is sure is that the EC will need to be independant for once and closely scrutanise the dems for any pressure they put on the smaller parties not to contest election seats should the dems boycott them.

Didn't your superhero Thaksin once say he would be in power for 20 years?

[virtualtraveller]

Quite apparent that at least 48% of the electorate are simply too immature and lack the mental capacity to participate in an electoral process. Most serious observers agree that a better solution is for a benevolent force to lead the country while education levels and judicial/law enforcement systems are drastically improved. Suthep would be as good as anybody to assume power for the next decade to allow the democratic bedrock to be laid squarely and without the corruption and violence that has become synonymous with regime Shinawat.

The guy was being sarcastic, you all missed that.

Prompong said the meeting 'would' unanimously vote - anyone see a democratic flaw in the ruling party's election of a number 1 candidate (this would violate the EC rules btw).

So, now you see why elections are a waste of time and a 'people's council' though unelected, probably a healthier short term solution. I'm sure if PT and Dems and others put their heads together, each given a few veto votes, they could come up with a sensible temporary govt to oversee a proper 'people's' charter, before wasting time on another election in which 48% of the country think that Yingluck was a good idea for prime minister.

[unanimosity]

Quite apparent that at least 48% of the electorate are simply too immature and lack the mental capacity to participate in an electoral process. Most serious observers agree that a better solution is for a benevolent force to lead the country while education levels and judicial/law enforcement systems are drastically improved. Suthep would be as good as anybody to assume power for the next decade to allow the democratic bedrock to be laid squarely and without the corruption and violence that has become synonymous with regime Shinawat.

Interesting that you would think a deputy PM facing murder charges with an outstanding arrest warrant whose checkered past includes having been responsibile for the land reform scandal that in 1995 brought the demise of Chuan Leekpai government's lower house dissolution rather than face a no confidence vote predicated on Suthep's scheme reported as winning approval to award land to poor southern farmers but instead directing some of the land to wealthy southern elites. Interesting also that you would conjecture that eliminating elections that don't go your way in favor of a dictatorial ad hoc committe of elites is somehow in the far stretches of your imagination a democratic bedrock. Whew, what a stretch. Whew, what a stench.

[unanimosity]

Quite apparent that at least 48% of the electorate are simply too immature and lack the mental capacity to participate in an electoral process. Most serious observers agree that a better solution is for a benevolent force to lead the country while education levels and judicial/law enforcement systems are drastically improved. Suthep would be as good as anybody to assume power for the next decade to allow the democratic bedrock to be laid squarely and without the corruption and violence that has become synonymous with regime Shinawat.

The guy was being sarcastic, you all missed that.

Prompong said the meeting 'would' unanimously vote - anyone see a democratic flaw in the ruling party's election of a number 1 candidate (this would violate the EC rules btw).

So, now you see why elections are a waste of time and a 'people's council' though unelected, probably a healthier short term solution. I'm sure if PT and Dems and others put their heads together, each given a few veto votes, they could come up with a sensible temporary govt to oversee a proper 'people's' charter, before wasting time on another election in which 48% of the country think that Yingluck was a good idea for prime minister.

Been saying all along that elections are flawed but not for the reasons often ascribed, and that the only reasonable solution for democracy to prevail in any country is to make govt. service mandatory and conscript representatives by a transparent lottery with a single term limit. Politics becomes corrupted when allowed to be a career rather than an honorable obligation to fellow citizens and the country.