Democrat leader Abhisit proposes reconsideration of Feb 2 election

[webfact]

Democrat leader proposes reconsideration of Feb 2 election
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Dec 20 – The opposition Democrat Party has warned that the government’s insistence on holding the February 2 general election will definitely lead to chaos.

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva threw his full support behind the suggestion by the Election Commission (EC) to postpone the balloting, saying it was in line with the opinions of various quarters.

He called on politicians to shake off their political inclinations, and that political parties and the EC should find a consensus to ease the political tension without taking the February 2 election as the core of discussion.

“Today’s problem is not whether to field candidates for the election. What will happen if we move on with the balloting on February 2 under lots of conditions? We should jointly solve the problem,” he said.

The former prime minister said all political parties must clearly show their stand while the Democrat Party firmly holds on to the democratic system.

“We have to urgently solve the problems. Leaving them for too long will contribute to more tension,” he said.

Mr Abhisit proposed a public survey to determine if the election should be postponed and whether such a delay will solve political problems and conflicts.

He brushed aside a statement by former Democrat MP from Surat Thani, Shane Thaugsuban, who said he (Mr Shane) would not run in the upcoming election.

“We understand that every Surat Thani MP is attached to former MP Suthep Thaugsuban. It should be clearer to us on Saturday,” he said. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-12-20

[Zolt]

Again, he wants to postpone, and again, he fails to propose a legal basis for doing so.

The government does not set the election date. The independent Election Commission does. The EC actually wants to postpone, but they can't because the constitution doesn't let them.

[Thailand]

Got what they wanted and now don't want it. Same old story they know they won't win!

Somebody managed to get at the EC to even have this considered, ridiculous situation.

[binjalin]

I would not trust Abhisit to organise a meditation session at the local Wat

he wanted an election - he got one - he calculates his party will lose so he doesn't want one

Abhisit set's himself and his party low standards then fails to achieve them

[Robby nz]

The EC have suggested that the election be postponed and pointed out how that can be done.

Abhisit is agreeing with them, what is so wrong with that ?

The reason for postponement, as everyone should know by now, is to put reforms in place before a new Govt takes office.

If this is done it will mean that the much needed reforms can be done in a unilateral manner and are set in place before an election and therefor not left up to the whim of the next Govt.

Who could and possibly would say "we have a majority we will do it our way" something that would only lead to more trouble.

[binjalin]

The EC have suggested that the election be postponed and pointed out how that can be done.

Abhisit is agreeing with them, what is so wrong with that ?

The reason for postponement, as everyone should know by now, is to put reforms in place before a new Govt takes office.

If this is done it will mean that the much needed reforms can be done in a unilateral manner and are set in place before an election and therefor not left up to the whim of the next Govt.

Who could and possibly would say "we have a majority we will do it our way" something that would only lead to more trouble.

they have not "suggested that" they said "if everyone wanted it it might be possible" an entirely different matter

there is a Royal Decree now in place - abide by it and try and win the hearts and minds of the voters not squirm and turn because you might lose

[Zolt]

If this is done it will mean that the much needed reforms can be done in a unilateral manner and are set in place before an election and therefor not left up to the whim of the next Govt.

Read that sentence again. Did you really mean to write that?

[96tehtarp]

The EC have suggested that the election be postponed and pointed out how that can be done.

Abhisit is agreeing with them, what is so wrong with that ?

The reason for postponement, as everyone should know by now, is to put reforms in place before a new Govt takes office.

If this is done it will mean that the much needed reforms can be done in a unilateral manner and are set in place before an election and therefor not left up to the whim of the next Govt.

Who could and possibly would say "we have a majority we will do it our way" something that would only lead to more trouble.

The constitution does not allow for any postponement. (Or does it)?

The above provides the Democrats with the ideal and winnable election campaign platform. I see it all now.

Here's all the Dem's have got to do; Start campaigning now for a mandate from the people to form a transitional government. After the DP win enough votes in the Feb 2 election to form a majority in parliament they will have a mandate to rejig the entire democratic parliamentary apparatus in Thailand precisely in line with Suthep's proposals and then call new elections under the new and re-rejigged "Perfect Democracy" system.

I'm convinced, but will the Thai voters? Probably not.

[greg71]

He is only putting off the inevitable .They have no strong policy which is needed to win an election ,history proves this with the democratic party .

[Zolt]

This whole thing is actually very dangerous. If the EC decides to postpone the elections beyond 60 days, there is a major risk that the Constitution Court can rule them invalid and annul them - they have done so before with less reason than that!

[binjalin]

He is only putting off the inevitable .They have no strong policy which is needed to win an election ,history proves this with the democratic party .

it's true. I mean to be honest if the Dems were not so aligned to the amart and all that they should be able to challenge PTP with a very winnable platform but they can't tear themselves away from the 'old elite ways' that appeal to the minority

only when this country leaves the triangle structure for a more flatter structure can it move forward

[whybother]

He is only putting off the inevitable .They have no strong policy which is needed to win an election ,history proves this with the democratic party .

Actually, a poll around the last election showed that people preferred the Democrat policies.

Blind loyalty not policies seem to matter for some voters

...

When asked to pick proposed policies that they prefer, without knowing which parties the policies belong to - the majority of Northeastern voters sampled selected platforms of the Democrat Party.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2011/06/20/opinion/Blind-loyalty-not-policies-seem-to-matter-for-some-30158200.html

[96tehtarp]

Actually, a poll around the last election showed that people preferred the Democrat policies.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2011/06/20/opinion/Blind-loyalty-not-policies-seem-to-matter-for-some-30158200.html

It could be argued that "trust" is just as important as individual policies are in such opinion polls. Concealing the names of the parties behind the policies removes that crucial element, which has a big influence on voter's decisions. At the very least, these results demonstrate how much distrust has a role in Thai voter's decisions.

[greg71]

He is only putting off the inevitable .They have no strong policy which is needed to win an election ,history proves this with the democratic party .

Actually, a poll around the last election showed that people preferred the Democrat policies.

Blind loyalty not policies seem to matter for some voters

...

When asked to pick proposed policies that they prefer, without knowing which parties the policies belong to - the majority of Northeastern voters sampled selected platforms of the Democrat Party.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2011/06/20/opinion/Blind-loyalty-not-policies-seem-to-matter-for-some-30158200.html

The only poll that counts is an election .

Edited December 20, 2013 by greg71

[whybother]

He is only putting off the inevitable .They have no strong policy which is needed to win an election ,history proves this with the democratic party .

Actually, a poll around the last election showed that people preferred the Democrat policies.

Blind loyalty not policies seem to matter for some voters

...

When asked to pick proposed policies that they prefer, without knowing which parties the policies belong to - the majority of Northeastern voters sampled selected platforms of the Democrat Party.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2011/06/20/opinion/Blind-loyalty-not-policies-seem-to-matter-for-some-30158200.html

And that poll is called an election if im not wrong

You are wrong, and you don't seem to be able to read.

[whybother]

He is only putting off the inevitable .They have no strong policy which is needed to win an election ,history proves this with the democratic party .

Actually, a poll around the last election showed that people preferred the Democrat policies.

Blind loyalty not policies seem to matter for some voters

...

When asked to pick proposed policies that they prefer, without knowing which parties the policies belong to - the majority of Northeastern voters sampled selected platforms of the Democrat Party.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2011/06/20/opinion/Blind-loyalty-not-policies-seem-to-matter-for-some-30158200.html

The only poll that counts is an election .

But you said that they need strong policies to win an election. The poll showed that they had preferred policies. You need to make up your mind.

[whybother]

Actually, a poll around the last election showed that people preferred the Democrat policies.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2011/06/20/opinion/Blind-loyalty-not-policies-seem-to-matter-for-some-30158200.html

It could be argued that "trust" is just as important as individual policies are in such opinion polls. Concealing the names of the parties behind the policies removes that crucial element, which has a big influence on voter's decisions. At the very least, these results demonstrate how much distrust has a role in Thai voter's decisions.

I agree. But many posters seem to think the Democrats lose because of their policies.

Most people in Thailand don't vote for policies, they just vote for the same families that they have always voted for, regardless of which party they are in.

[xminator]

So why not just say it? Democrats want its very own 7 man committee and elections every 4 years with one party on the ballot.

[Scamper]

Yingluck is - herself - already actively inquiring about the possibility of a postponement. So that must mean that Pheu Thai has decided it may be constitutionally possible. The EC has proposed it, so one has to suspect they think it is. Now even Pheu Thai is considering it. A bit ironic - as the party that has actively defied the Constitutional Court at every turn - now becomes an instant authority on what is constitutionally possible. But I suppose that's another matter.

[jayboy]

Actually, a poll around the last election showed that people preferred the Democrat policies.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2011/06/20/opinion/Blind-loyalty-not-policies-seem-to-matter-for-some-30158200.html

It could be argued that "trust" is just as important as individual policies are in such opinion polls. Concealing the names of the parties behind the policies removes that crucial element, which has a big influence on voter's decisions. At the very least, these results demonstrate how much distrust has a role in Thai voter's decisions.

I agree. But many posters seem to think the Democrats lose because of their policies.

Most people in Thailand don't vote for policies, they just vote for the same families that they have always voted for, regardless of which party they are in.

Nonsense.People in Thailand are like people anywhere else.They vote for politicians and parties they believe will best serve the needs of their country, their communities, their families and themselves.

If the Democrats thought they had a snowball's chance in hell of winning the election on February 2nd there would be no talk of delay.

The answer to the Democrats problem is of course is to develop policies likely to appeal to the country at large (not just by copying Thaksin's policies as they did last time) and eject the failed leadership.But what they have actually done is to drift further to the reactionary right, and ditch the one person who understood what was needed to make the party re-electable (Alongkorn).

They deserve their coming failure.

[whybother]

Nonsense.People in Thailand are like people anywhere else.They vote for politicians and parties they believe will best serve the needs of their country, their communities, their families and themselves.

If the Democrats thought they had a snowball's chance in hell of winning the election on February 2nd there would be no talk of delay.

The answer to the Democrats problem is of course is to develop policies likely to appeal to the country at large (not just by copying Thaksin's policies as they did last time) and eject the failed leadership.But what they have actually done is to drift further to the reactionary right, and ditch the one person who understood what was needed to make the party re-electable (Alongkorn).

They deserve their coming failure.

Ummm ... did you read the comment about the poll where people preferred the Democrat policies?

If the Democrats supposedly copy Thaksin's policies, and people don't vote for them, does that mean that Thaksin's policies are no good?

[Sing_Sling]

Actually, a poll around the last election showed that people preferred the Democrat policies.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2011/06/20/opinion/Blind-loyalty-not-policies-seem-to-matter-for-some-30158200.html

It could be argued that "trust" is just as important as individual policies are in such opinion polls. Concealing the names of the parties behind the policies removes that crucial element, which has a big influence on voter's decisions. At the very least, these results demonstrate how much distrust has a role in Thai voter's decisions.

I agree. But many posters seem to think the Democrats lose because of their policies.

Most people in Thailand don't vote for policies, they just vote for the same families that they have always voted for, regardless of which party they are in.

Nonsense.People in Thailand are like people anywhere else.They vote for politicians and parties they believe will best serve the needs of their country, their communities, their families and themselves.

If the Democrats thought they had a snowball's chance in hell of winning the election on February 2nd there would be no talk of delay.

The answer to the Democrats problem is of course is to develop policies likely to appeal to the country at large (not just by copying Thaksin's policies as they did last time) and eject the failed leadership.But what they have actually done is to drift further to the reactionary right, and ditch the one person who understood what was needed to make the party re-electable (Alongkorn).

They deserve their coming failure.

Quite right.

The only 'polls' that count are the elections themselves, everything else is irrelevant to reality

[bigbamboo]

It would appear Thais are too busy squabbling to be able to run their own country just now.

Perhaps they should consider letting 'aliens' do it for them?

[whybother]

Quite right.

The only 'polls' that count are the elections themselves, everything else is irrelevant to reality

So what you're saying is that it's irrelevant what policies people prefer.

[Robby nz]

OK lets take a look at what the EC has said :

Election postponement possible if parties agree: EC

BANGKOK: -- Election Commission member Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said on Tuesday that the EC is ready to postpone the election from February 2 if political parties reach an agreement to delay it and if it is permitted under the law.

Reasons to postpone

_ A poll can be delayed by 30 days via royal decree if there is civil unrest, floods, fire or other eventualities (according to Article 78 of the 2007 Constitution's organic law on elections);

_ If the ballot papers are damaged or lost (according to Article 85 of the 2007 Constitution's organic law on elections);

_ If only one candidate is elected in a constituency and receives less than 20 per cent of the total vote (according to Article 88 of the 2007 Constitution's organic law on elections);

_ A constituency has no MP candidates;

_ The number of MPs is less than 95 per cent of 500 - the compulsory figure that is needed for the House of Representatives to convene (according to Article 93 of the Constitution).

Election delay possible

BANGKOK: -- The Election Commission's new team says it could delay the general election from the scheduled date of February 2 while political parties prepare for the judgement day. Meanwhile, the opposition Democrat Party remains undecided on whether to field candidates.

As some appointed Senators suggested that the Feb 2 election could be postponed under Article 187 of the Constitution, Ms Yingluck said this is a new issue which should be thoroughly studied and the forum could help find the best solution to the current political quagmire.

So the election commission has said that they are ready to postpone the election and have given several ways in which this can be done

The senators have also proposed another avenue via article 187 which, in brief, says that if all parties agree the election can be postponed.

In order to show real dedication to change all parties should agree to implement change before an election.

The only reason for them not to do this is if they don't want to see change.

Also a precedent has been set for the postponement of an election by Thaksin when he was caretaker PM.

[Valentine]

So why not just say it? Democrats want its very own 7 man committee and elections every 4 years with one party on the ballot.

Ridiculous post of the day. Which hat did you pull that out of.

[White Christmas13]

It would appear Thais are too busy squabbling to be able to run their own country just now.

Perhaps they should consider letting 'aliens' do it for them?

You mean the one's from Mars?

[toybits]

This is sounds sooo much like a Good Cop - Bad Cop routine! You know which one is which. Abhisit seems thinks there is still no chaos. I just wonder from what sector Chaos will start from? The proposed "Reform" which has not really be clarified sounds like they want to disenfranchise millions of voters who are probably not going to vote for them. This "reform" which may favor Abhisit's group will not be accepted and THAT will truly cause Chaos. If Abhisit and Suthep want people on the other side to listen, then that road map MUST be clarified - and MADE public. How can the expect the other side to agree with them otherwise?

A "people's council" if it does not truly represent the population cannot be called that! Why can't they trust the voter's Choice? Isn't that much better that a people's council composed of just a few hundred (probably hand-picked) persons. Who gets to choose those who will be selected to become part of that "People's Council"? So many questions - NO ANSWERS!

[siampolee]

There seems to be an undercurrent of hesitation concerning the proposed upcoming general election and what may result prior to said proposed election or afterwards.

Concern is now being voiced and shown from the P.T.P. side as well.

So if the involved parties from all the political hues are concerned about the consequences that may result there must be grounds for the proposed postponement and not political grounds either..The cauldron of public sentiment is bubbling high on the fire of the peoples discontent with the current status quo,

Thus perhaps those in a position to know may at last be putting Thailand and its peoples first as opposed to their particular political aims and income.

To my mind there has got to be an interim national Government that will hopefully put the country's political and constitutional house in order by making politicians the public's servant not the public the politicians servants.

This is the end game and it's make or break for Thailand and its peoples, Time needs to be taken and patience must exercised to ensure a peaceful stable future for our children and grandchildren.

This current scenario is all due to one creature and his aims.

Now is the time to ensure that never again will one person or persons or family can or ever will again be able to hold Thailand over their own sacrificial altar of personal power abuses and personal enrichment political or financially.

Delay and reform is indeed the best policy for all.

[geriatrickid]

Can there really be reform, unless the proponents of the reforms, i.e. those who will enact the laws aka reforms have legitimacy?

In a democracy, that legitimacy comes from the elections. Some people are calling for reform, but haven't explained how they would address the legalities of such reforms. Having unelected magical councils doesn't do the trick.

In any case, Abhisit is now seeing who the Surat thani/Phuket rump is loyal to. He could have asserted his power back when he was PM, but IMO he wouldn't take on the corrupt robber barons of the south. Had he cleaned up his own party first, he would have the moral legitimacy to take on PTP. Abhisit is a man without power, with few political allies and in desperate search of support. He's grasping at straws now to try and avoid what looks like another electoral defeat.