Over half of the poll respondents are not sure that the draft charter will survive the referendum



BANGKOK: -- Over 60 percent of respondents to Suan Dusit Poll are not sure that the draft constitution of Meechai Ruchupan’s Constitution Drafting Committee will be accepted in a referendum but 41.42 percent say they will definitely cast their votes in the referendum.

Suan Dusit Poll of Suan Dusit University surveyed the opinions of 1,338 people representing a cross section of the society regarding the referendum during January 26-30.

The followings are the questionnaires and answers from the respondents:

Whether they will vote in the referendum, the poll shows 41.42 percent say they will definitely cast their votes; 37.67 percent say they are not sure as they will have to wait and see because they may have other matters to deal with or because they have no idea about what the draft charter is all about; 20.91 percent say they will not vote because they have work to do or it is not convenient for them to vote.

What kind of constitution that is acceptable to them, the poll shows 78.48 percent say the charter must be democratic in accordance with international standard; 67.86 percent say the charter must recognize equality, liberty and justice; 57.10 percent say the supreme law must have proper laws to deal with wrongdoers.

What are the main considerations on how they should vote, 83.11 percent say they see how the majority of the people will vote; 79.52 percent say they will base their judgement on the contents of the draft charter; 77.43 percent say they vote for the draft if it benefits the people and 69.96 percent say they follow the decision of the National Reform Steering Assembly.

Whether the draft will be accepted or rejected, 60.92 percent say they are not sure; 22.62 percent believe the draft will be endorsed; 16.46 percent believe the draft will be rejected.


-- Thai PBS 2016-02-01

While the 2007 Constitution referendum passed by 59% of the vote, only about about 26 million voters of total eligible voters or 57% went to the polls.

This means that the 2007 Constitution passed by only one-third of TOTAL eligible voters, with the other two-thirds either voting no or not bothering to vote at all.¹ No surprise that the subsequent elected government took issue with the constitutional provisions and organic laws developed by the previous junta to suppress political opposition.

So if the new poll shows that for the Meechai draft constitution referendum only 41% will cast their votes and history repeats itself with 59% approving the constitution, then the Meechai Constitution will pass with only by about one-fifth of TOTAL eligible voters!

Democracy will never break through the elitist crust of power and the military will once again take control.

¹ http://asiafoundation.org

Why bother voting when the charters are thrown out before the ink is dry.

A charter designed and crafted to fail so the NCPO can stay in power longer.

What kind of constitution that is acceptable to them, the poll shows 78.48 percent say the charter must be democratic in accordance with international standard; So 21.52 percent would prefer an undemocratic charter? 67.86 percent say the charter must recognize equality, liberty and justice; So 32.14 % would like a charter which treats people unequally, falsely imprisons them and offers injustice? 57.10 percent say the supreme law must have proper laws to deal with wrongdoers. So 42.9% would prefer not to have laws to deal with wrongdoers?

Presumably the nay-sayers are the ones who want this government to continue!

Was this poll a worthwhile way of spending money? bet that wasn't one of the questions.

While the 2007 Constitution referendum passed by 59% of the vote, only about about 26 million voters of total eligible voters or 57% went to the polls.

This means that the 2007 Constitution passed by only one-third of TOTAL eligible voters, with the other two-thirds either voting no or not bothering to vote at all.¹ No surprise that the subsequent elected government took issue with the constitutional provisions and organic laws developed by the previous junta to suppress political opposition.

So if the new poll shows that for the Meechai draft constitution referendum only 41% will cast their votes and history repeats itself with 59% approving the constitution, then the Meechai Constitution will pass with only by about one-fifth of TOTAL eligible voters!

Democracy will never break through the elitist crust of power and the military will once again take control.

¹ http://asiafoundation.org

Not voting does not equate to voting no ("two-thirds either voting no or not bothering to vote at all."). There are many reasons people don't bother to vote, such as expecting a coup to throw out Constitution anyway.... that has been known to happen, over and over again here. Big part of life is showing up, in this case at polling stations. I have parties with the people that come, and those that don't show, I don't give a toss about. Passing with 59% of those who took time to show up and vote is a substantial margin of approval.

"Democracy will never break through the elitist crust of power and the military will once again take control." If too lazy to get out and vote, it is their own damn fault. People get the government they deserve.

Why bother voting when the charters are thrown out before the ink is dry.

Rear guard skirmish to put off an election indefinitely. Going through the motions, fate accompli, doomed to fail, try and try again, putting off the obvious, making something appear to be done which is not. Take your pick.

Edited February 1, 201610 yr by elgordo38

The poll was taken between Jan 26 - 30! The draft charter was only published on Jan 29! The questions asked and the bizarre percentages of results actually have nothing to do with content, but more to do with how their mates or others will vote. Why let facts get in the way of a constitution!