Poll reveals support for political participation
A majority of people believed politicians’ current activism towards the country’s organic laws was a move to protect their own political interests, but they agreed that this helped reflect issues and motivated the government to work more effectively, a survey has found.
A survey of 1,289 people, conducted by Suan Dusit Poll, revealed Saturday that more than three-quarters, or 76.49 per cent, of respondents saw politicians’ activism as protection of their own political interests, but 73.16 per cent thought that politicians had the right to expression.
More than two-thirds – 67.26 per cent – of respondents said that the government should allow them to voice their thoughts as well as listen to them.
Some 65.94 per cent said that the politicians’ activism allowed them to become more aware of current affairs, while 56.48 per cent said that any opinions should be voiced constructively so it would form useful advice for involved agencies to consider.
The poll also asked which issues had interested people the most, and the majority– 64.79 per cent – of the respondents pointed to the politicians’ opposition to the primary voting system.
The second and the third issues were the politicians’ calls for a fair election (60.08 per cent of respondents) and for the ban on political activity to be lifted (58.70 per cent).
Nearly 55 per cent of the people surveyed said they agreed that politicians’ activities had helped reflect problems facing the country, made people aware of current affairs and motivated the government to improve.
However, 45.72 per cent saw it differently and were concerned that conflicts could be provoked.
As to how the government should respond to the politicians’ demands, 70.21 per cent said the relevant legislation should be reviewed accordingly, while 63.07 and 61.13 per cent respectively said that they should clarify the issue and should not argue with politicians or it would lead to conflicts.
Some 48.88 per cent of respondents said the government should be open to public opinion, while 43.4 per cent said the government should try its best to make just laws.
