Now that people have decided, let’s live with it

In 2007, the country was under the rule of a government set up by the coup-making Council of National Security (CNS). However, unlike their predecessor almost a decade ago, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) is ruling with a tighter grip, in the name of maintaining social order.

According to the political road map set by the powers-that-be, the NCPO will remain in power until the next general election, which is expected to take place late next year. That means the junta will have about a year and a half. The NCPO head and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is armed with absolute power under Article 44 of the post-coup interim charter.

Undeniably, the referendum also served as a test of the rulers’ popularity. People also seemed to vote as to whether they agreed with the rulers’ exercising of their power gained through the coup of May 2014.

In ruling the country, General Prayut, the NCPO and his government have invoked powers that encroach on the individual rights and freedoms of many people. Judging from the vote result, the majority seemed to agree with the rulers’ use of their powers.

Previously, critics said this government was ruling with the guns. But the referendum result indicated that the powers-that-be also have the backing of millions of voters. Although the referendum was held with restrictions on public debate, the result could not be changed.

However, people who voted in support of the draft constitution will have to accept the consequences of their decision. People who failed to turn out for voting also have to do the same thing. This also applies to people who voted “No”. Under democratic principles, they have to accept the decision of the majority, whether they like it or not.

What is astonishing is that many people went to cast their ballots without a complete understanding of the draft charter’s content and the additional question. They did not read the actual draft subject to the referendum. And they did not know what would happen if they voted to allow senators to choose prime minister. The additional question asked voters if they agreed to allow selected senators to vote with elected MPs in picking the next prime minister for five years after the new Parliament convenes for the first time.

Those who turned out to vote were supposed to know what choice they had and to have an understanding of what they would vote for or against. People in society need to learn to live with the decision they make. It goes without saying that the government must not abuse the majority “Yes” vote to both the referendum questions. The approval does not mean the majority of voters have allowed them to use their powers any way they like.

Although people now have no legal means to scrutinise the government before the new constitution is promulgated, in practice many people are ready to come out against any abuse of government power. If that is the case, the rulers may find out that it is not easy to keep the situation under control.

The next election is expected within next year. At that time people will vote to elect their new rulers. The mechanisms and measures in the new charter are going to be applied on the post-election government. 

Let us wait and see whether the new power structure will function well or if there will be any serious problems. But one thing is certain: We will have to live with the consequences of our decision for a long time, whether they are positive or negative.

 

attayuth@nationgroup.com