Thai Democrats to decide on whether to field candidates or boycott Feb 2 election

[webfact]

POLITICS
Democrats decide today
Niphawan Kaewrakmuk,
Prapasri Osathanon,
Hataikarn Treesuwan
The Nation


Newly appointed chairman of the Election Commission Supachai Somcharoen, seen lighting a candle, leads a ceremony yesterday to take the oath along with four new EC members.

Party meeting to decide on whether to field candidates or boycott Feb 2 general election

BANGKOK: -- The opposition Democrat Party is facing a dilemma in having to decide today whether to field candidates in the general election scheduled for February 2 amid calls from within the party to boycott the poll.

The most talked-about issue amid the current political impasse has been whether to bring about reforms first or hold the elections first. The anti-government protesters want national reforms before the election, while the Pheu Thai-led caretaker government wants to hold the election first and then proceed with the reforms.

A party resolution, in general assembly, on the issue, which might be reached tomorrow at the latest, will be decided by a new 35-member executive board, which will be elected this morning. It's likely that Abhisit Vejjajiva would retain his post for another term while former MP from Phitsanulok, Juti Krairiksh, is tipped to become the party's new secretary-general, a party source said.

Heated debate is expected today on the issue of boycotting the election. The source said opinions within the party were divided. One camp led by Abhisit, party chief adviser Chuan Leekpai, former MPs from Bangkok and some southern MPs close to Chuan disagreed with the idea of boycotting the election.

The pro-election faction argues that running in the election after the House dissolution is a democratic way. But they agreed that a national reform is needed after the poll. If the party decided to boycott the election, there would be no opposition party in the House until its term ended, the camp argued.

However, the other camp supported protest leader and former Democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban's demand for national reforms before an election. They argue that without reforms, all problems will not be solved.

Early this month, the party's MPs resigned en masse to put pressure on the Yingluck government. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra dissolved the House on December 9.

However, a Democrat boycott of the election will not be an obstacle in holding the election. The Democrats and other opposition parties had boycotted the election in April 2006, called by then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra under Thai Rak Thai. The Thai Rak Thai Party won a landslide victory, but several candidates of the party failed to meet the minimum requirement of getting at least 20 per cent of eligible votes in a constituency if the constituency has only one candidate. The Constitutional Court found it guilty of paying smaller parties to contest the election to fulfil the 20-per-cent rule, which led to the dissolution of the party.

Pheu Thai this time has already prepared to face the legal obstacles and won't allow a repeat of the situation.

"We are not worried. If the Democrats boycott the poll, we could have 60 small parties field candidates for 375 constituency-based MPs to avoid the 20-per-cent minimum votes rule," former deputy House speaker Apiwan Wiriyachai said.

He said Pheu Thai's strategy committee would call a meeting after the Democrat Party decides on whether to take part in the election or not.

Apiwan said the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) would be acting like gangsters if its members blocked voting at some polling stations on election day.

The PDRC leaders on Sunday announced a blockade of all polling stations and threatened to create political disturbances in some areas to obstruct the holding of the election.

He said he will recommend at the party's meeting that it should mention its constitutional amendment plan on the election manifesto.

"We could have a referendum on whether to amend the current charter or not at the same time as the general election," he said.

A Pheu Thai source said the party would field Yingluck and her brother-in-law and former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat as No 1 and No 2 party-list candidates respectively.

"She is still popular. But if she feels she has had enough of politics, then Somchai can replace her," a party source said.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission's newly appointed chairman, Supachai Somcharoen, insisted that the national election would take place on February 2.

He foresees no hurdles in hosting the elections, despite calls for a boycott from some political parties. Some anti-government protesters are planning to disrupt the process, when the EC opens registration for party-list candidates.


-- The Nation 2013-12-17

[ricku]

Just one question. What will happen if they boycott the election?

[Jasun]

Just one question. What will happen if they boycott the election?

Last time the Dems boycotted an election they ended up in power.

[Ricardo]

Just one question. What will happen if they boycott the election?

Last time the Dems boycotted an election they ended up in power.

Really ?

I recall the 2006-election being annulled, then a coup against a time-expired caretaker-PM, which led to a junta-appointed military government.

And their December-2007 elections resulted in a TRT/PPP-led coalition under the late PM-Samak, which didn't include the Dems at all.

How does "ended up in power" begin to describe that complex series of events ?

Or did you mean to be sarcastic ?

Whatever, the Dems ought to participate, they might even form a coalition-government afterwards, who knows ? And if Abhisit cannot persuade his fellow Democrats, then it really is time to go off, and form a new party of his own, with any of the less-corrupt more-competent people who are willing to follow his lead. All just my own opinion, obviously.

[EricBerg]

The only thing the dems can do to get reforms (in the long run) done is to participate in the democratic process.So they must fight the political fight.

[citizen33]

Re Ricardos' post: Those of us who were around remember what happened, including the later events. You on the other hand seem confused about the detail, as with your statement the other day that it was the Democrats who abolished the 30 baht co-payment. This was of course was done by a Junta appointed civilian government.

Edited December 17, 2013 by citizen33

[binjalin]

scared of democracy? what next? ah I get it... stop the elections, steal ballot boxes and seize power! True Democrats like their name suggests

[ramrod711]

A Pheu Thai source said the party would field Yingluck and her brother-in-law and former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat as No 1 and No 2 party-list candidates respectively.

"She is still popular. But if she feels she has had enough of politics, then Somchai can replace her," a party source said.

The PTP are really taking the anti Thaksin folks seriously, i wonder what kind of reforms we can expect after the election. PTP don't seem to be able to picture their party without the Shin clan involved, is there no other candidate for leader?

[Thait Spot]

Just one question. What will happen if they boycott the election?

Last time the Dems boycotted an election they ended up in power.

Bare faced lie

[Ricardo]

Just one question. What will happen if they boycott the election?

Last time the Dems boycotted an election they ended up in power.

Really ?

I recall the 2006-election being annulled, then a coup against a time-expired caretaker-PM, which led to a junta-appointed military government.

And their December-2007 elections resulted in a TRT/PPP-led coalition under the late PM-Samak, which didn't include the Dems at all.

How does "ended up in power" begin to describe that complex series of events ? alt=blink.png pagespeed_url_hash=3007605675 width=20 height=20>

Or did you mean to be sarcastic ?

Whatever, the Dems ought to participate, they might even form a coalition-government afterwards, who knows ? And if Abhisit cannot persuade his fellow Democrats, then it really is time to go off, and form a new party of his own, with any of the less-corrupt more-competent people who are willing to follow his lead. All just my own opinion, obviously.

Re Ricardos' post: Those of us who were around remember what happened, including the later events. You on the other hand seem confused about the detail, as with your statement the other day that it was the Democrats who abolished the 30 baht co-payment. This was of course was done by a Junta appointed civilian government.

Whatever, and trying to stay on-topic, I definitely recall at least three other governments, or four including the TRT-caretaker one, between the Dems boycotting the April-2006 election, and Abhisit's December-2008 coalition being voted-in by Parliament.

So I disagree with Jasun's statement that "The last time the Dems boycotted an election they ended up in power."

Am I wrong about that ?

What do you remember ?

[Asiantravel]

Does anyone know what “ reforms “ precisely the Democrats want in the election process before they agree to participate? I mean a vote is a vote so how do they propose to dilute the numbers who last time voted for the existing government? Those people will never vote for the likes of Democrats and Suthep no matter what reforms are implemented?

[Jasun]

Just one question. What will happen if they boycott the election?

Last time the Dems boycotted an election they ended up in power.

Bare faced lie

FACT: Abhisit's government did not get into power on the back of an election win.

FACT: The Dems haven't won an election in two decades.

FACT: They have NEVER in history won an absolutely majority.

The moral to the story: Boycotting elections has never hurt their political aspirations, and there's no reason to suggest that boycotting the next election would prevent them getting back into power again.

[ManopY]

IMHO they should not participate

[tx22cb]

So PTP might choose 2 Shin family members as their top 2 candidates. This would be a clear statement - PTP are fully supporting the Shins.

Those who deplore the Shins, DON'T vote for PTP.

Those who support the Shins, vote for PTP.

This is very Black and White. Very digital - 0 or 1 only.

And see where the chips fall.

And both sides, red or yellow, we beseech you, don't complain whatever the outcome may be, accept the popular vote, however abhorrent it may be to some of you.

Then together, work on any reforms the Thais may want for the future. Peacefully, please.

[Robby nz]

What it really comes down to is reforms OR an election.

If it is left till after an election then all that will be done is more conferences, seminars, possibly even another Tony B fiasco then, like the past 3 reports and PT's recent effort (for want of a better word only) nothing will be done.

PT is going to want to hold onto power at any cost, there is just to much in it for them to lose and having not only the money from Dubai behind then they now have hold of the public purse and will not be shy of using it in any they can to gain an advantage.

They are already showing this with Yingluck's electioneering trips to the north and Issan and by all the big posters around the country with her smiling face.

There are also the lies that have been repeated over and over for the last 2 years so now they have got even those who should know better believing them, including the great lie of murder which we see repeated on this forum several times every day.

Wasn't it Hitler who said "if you tell a lie often enough people will believe you" a principal that has certainly worked for PT.

[Thailand]

So PTP might choose 2 Shin family members as their top 2 candidates. This would be a clear statement - PTP are fully supporting the Shins.

Those who deplore the Shins, DON'T vote for PTP.

Those who support the Shins, vote for PTP.

This is very Black and White. Very digital - 0 or 1 only.

And see where the chips fall.

And both sides, red or yellow, we beseech you, don't complain whatever the outcome may be, accept the popular vote, however abhorrent it may be to some of you.

Then together, work on any reforms the Thais may want for the future. Peacefully, please.

Thanks to Suthep reuniting the red faction you know the PTP will win and you know very well another Suthep will appear in a couple of years and the whole stupid process will start over again, and again!

Edited December 17, 2013 by Thailand

[Thait Spot]

Just one question. What will happen if they boycott the election?

Last time the Dems boycotted an election they ended up in power.

Bare faced lie

FACT: Abhisit's government did not get into power on the back of an election win.

FACT: The Dems haven't won an election in two decades.

FACT: They have NEVER in history won an absolutely majority.

The moral to the story: Boycotting elections has never hurt their political aspirations, and there's no reason to suggest that boycotting the next election would prevent them getting back into power again.

Backpeddling BS

[binjalin]

FACT: Abhisit's government did not get into power on the back of an election win.

FACT: The Dems haven't won an election in two decades.

FACT: They have NEVER in history won an absolutely majority.

The moral to the story: Boycotting elections has never hurt their political aspirations, and there's no reason to suggest that boycotting the next election would prevent them getting back into power again.

Backpeddling BS

you dispute the facts? Dems have not won in last 9 elections? Abhisit's gov. only got in through 'help' not through election?

Edited December 17, 2013 by binjalin

[rct99q]

A Pheu Thai source said the party would field Yingluck and her brother-in-law and former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat as No 1 and No 2 party-list candidates respectively.

"She is still popular. But if she feels she has had enough of politics, then Somchai can replace her," a party source said.

The PTP are really taking the anti Thaksin folks seriously, i wonder what kind of reforms we can expect after the election. PTP don't seem to be able to picture their party without the Shin clan involved, is there no other candidate for leader?

Why would they want another candidate! Yingluck (as well as other family members) are well liked by a large percentage (not necessarily a majority, percentage wise) of the population in the North East and North. So why would they not want her to be the face of the party. Thaksin is also well liked by many in these regions.

The anti-Thaksin group, by comparison is quite small (in numbers). Like them or not the PTP do get the largest percentage of the popular vote (not a majority) and along with other associate parties can claim to represent more than 50 percent of the voting public.

Whether it is by hook or crook is not the point as both sides are as guilty as the other.

[Zolt]

I sincerely hope the dems will participate. Things can only get uglier if they don't.

[siampolee]

It might well be that the Democrats are siding with the P.T.P. who have presented a petition to have the Democrat party dissolved .Said presentation being performed by yet another convicted prison evading P.T.P. creature.

Ah the delights of Thaksin and the P.T.P. views on dem(on)cracy.

[rct99q]

I sincerely hope the dems will participate. Things can only get uglier if they don't.

Possibly, on the other hand, the PTP will field alternate candidates to run against their main representative providing them with the excuse that there were options for people to vote for. If the Dems do not run a candidate it will only provide the PTP with a legal, majority under current EC rules. Given a true majority may be the best option at the moment. They will have the will of the people and more importantly I believe they will have gained a bit of respect from the military and will get their support as well.

[MaxLee]

Just one question. What will happen if they boycott the election?

Then the Red shirt supporters are going to storm Bangkok and terrorize the Bangkok-ONLY-Bangkok people, and with them all the rest of the Anti-government sub groups

Edited December 17, 2013 by MaxLee

[Emdog]

Democrats love democracy! They just don't want the people voting in elections, choosing the government, or any of that sort of nonsense!

[webfact]

Thai opposition meet ahead of key election decision

BANGKOK, December 17, 2013 (AFP) - Thailand's opposition party met to select new leaders Tuesday ahead of a key decision over a possible boycott of snap polls called by the government to mollify massive street protests.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra proposed the February 2 election after weeks of demonstrations against her government and her brother Thaksin -- an ousted billionaire ex-premier who is despised by many among the Thai middle class and Bangkok elite.

Protesters, who are still on Bangkok's streets but in greatly reduced numbers, reject new elections without widespread reform to end Thaksin's influence, which they say has corrupted the kingdom's political system.

They want to establish a "People's Council" to enact reforms before elections and have called on Thailand's powerful army to back their campaign.

Lawmakers from the opposition Democrat Party resigned en masse from parliament on December 8 to join the protests.

The move prompted Yingluck to dissolve parliament and deepened a political crisis which has seen daily rallies, deadly violence and tens of thousands of people swarm key government buildings.

"Today's meeting is part of reforming our party and to amend party rules and the party structure," incumbent Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said in opening remarks at the meeting. "We will name new party executives."

That new committee will decide whether the party will boycott the election, but it was unclear when that announcement will be made.
Abhisit, a former prime minister, is widely tipped to hold onto his party position.

But new committee members are needed to replace Suthep Thaugsuban, who left his role as party deputy to lead the street protests, and the party secretary who also resigned.

"An election under the same regulations will produce the same parliament members," Suthep said in his nightly address late Monday, reiterating his demand for widespread reform before polls.

The Democrats draw on deep support among Thailand's Bangkok-based elite and middle class.

But they have not won an elected majority in more than two decades, and critics argue that the only "reforms" they are interested in are those which will propel them back to power.

Analysts say a boycott of the February elections will likely prolong the political turmoil and cripple the democratic process.

Abhisit was indicted for murder last week in connection with a deadly military crackdown on mass protests by the Thaskin-aligned then opposition in Bangkok three years ago.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2013-12-17

[chainarong]

Memo Abhisit and co, you would be siding with the PTP if you boycott the elections , that in itself should be enough to start thinking positive, you do no favours to Thailand by boycotting and you now have a chance with a strong campaign to come out on top , start planning .

Edited December 17, 2013 by chainarong

[tomacht8]

The cost of the election will be around 4 Billion Baht (4.000.000.000).

May they can make an election together with an referendum.

Would you like that the government will stop the corruption? Yes No

Would you like to have more transparency about the state funds? Yes No

Convicted Corrupt people should not hold any public office? Yes No

Which of the following five measures are most important in your village / town / district?

Choose from 3 measures (Only three crosses allowed)

- Modernization of schools

- Modernization of public hospitals

- Modernization of the drinking water supply

- Modernization of roads

- Modernization of the administration

Or something like this.

Other thought:

The illiteracy rate is in Thailand around 6,5% to 7%

How do these people have chosen in the past?

[Spare]

I sincerely hope that they will boycott.

So the army can come out again.

[Thailand]

I sincerely hope that they will boycott.

So the army can come out again.

Deep, thoughtful and insightful comment, to be commended.

[HerbalEd]

Seems that a lot (most?) Thais don't know how true democracy really works. The anti-gov people who don't want the Feb. 2 election know that the Taksin-lovers will most likely have a big win yet again ... and thus want to stop that.

In a real democracy you don't get to do this. I suffered through 8 years of Regan and 8 years of Bush, all the while reminding myself that "This too will pass" ... and it did, eventually.