Junta takes first step towards elections and lifts ban on politics
Prime Minister Prayut has announced that it will lift the ban on political activities. The measure stems from the roadmap to democracy. Prayut Chan-ocha announced yesterday that elections will be held in November 2018. In concrete terms, the decision means that political parties will be given the opportunity to prepare for the elections.
It was initially reported that the junta leader was immediately lifting the ban on political activities, but later in the day it became clear that he had not said anything about when this measure would be effective. The prime minister will use article 44 of the constitution for this purpose. Government spokesman Sansern said yesterday that he expects this to be applied before the turn of the year. The decision also applies to new parties that may not be founded until they have recruited 500 members. Permission must be requested from the NCPO for holding party meetings.
Thanawut Wichaidit, a leader of the 'Redshirts', and opponent of the military regime, said hopeful that this is a first step for the elections and for democracy.
Source: Bangkok Post
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That would be nice, but then the authorities should of course not put pressure on catering operators etc. not to host events. In Prachatai we read that the red shirts had to cancel a number of events such as a New Year's party (here they also wanted to collect money to financially assist supporters who are in prison for terrorism or lèse majesté). The landlords of these spaces felt so pressured that the operators canceled everything.
https://prachatai.com/english/node/7515
Meetings can be held outside, in the village square under the big tree…..when the cold is gone. No need for alcohol if you have to think…
Latest news:
General Prayut has invoked Article 44 of the temporary constitution of 2014, which grants him absolute power, to ensure complete freedom of thought. However, in order to maintain peace in the country, ordinary citizens are still prohibited from converting these thoughts into words or deeds. This ban is expected to be lifted before the turn of the year. It is not yet clear for which turn of the year.
A committee has been formed that will examine whether Article 44 can be used to create a law that could possibly bring happiness back to the Thai people in the near future, which is the motto and raison d'être of this government. First, however, it will be necessary to find out where that happiness is now, a process that could take several years. The population is called on to be patient and not to doubt the good intentions of the government.
The government cannot restore happiness to the people because as good Buddhists every Thai decides every morning that he/she is happy. So happiness is always there regardless of which government is in power.
According to a spokesman Ramet Rattanachaweng of the Democratic Party, the partial dissolution is not fair: if only new parties are given the freedom to meet publicly and organize events, then these parties will be favored over existing parties such as Prachathipat (the Democrats). He also says that Prayuth should go through policy changes through the regular route of amendments through parliament rather than using his special absolute power.
The question is also which parties will all participate. Will there be a military party? People like former senator Paiboon Nititawan could set up such a party, with 250 junta senators plus such a party Prayuth could stay in power after the elections. One could also force existing parties to dismantle themselves and re-register. The well-known yellow shirts leader Suthep was/is in favor of this (to get into the wheels of the 'red' Pheu Thai?).
Speaking of new parties, Chris, do you have anything to say about the new independent party (which should break the Democrats vs Phue Thai fight). what to work on?
Sources:
- http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2017/12/20/selective-lifting-politics-ban-unfair-democrat-says/
- http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2017/12/20/3-wild-cards-elected-junta-explained/
As far as I am concerned, this military government will remain in power for a long time to come. Give them time to return the corruptly acquired property to the poor.
Return? Like those Deputy Prime Minister's watches, you mean?
I dare to say that there will be NO elections in 2018. Betting on this has already started.
Surely something will happen or be found to postpone elections.