Democracy without opposition is a sham

It has never occurred to those in power that just about every country in the world has an opposition party. In the US, political division is a way of life. First it’s the Democrats in power and then the Republicans. Every country that has some form of democracy has opposing forces. 

This country is never going to have another fair election, because every constitution offered is going to have some sort of clause to prevent the Shinawatras from returning to office. Not that this is such a bad idea, but it is contrary to democratic principals. 

Thaksin has been effectively eliminated by his status as a convicted felon, but his sister hasn’t yet been convicted, so she can still run for office. What the powers-that-be don’t realise is that, if they change the electoral laws to compel the prime minister to be elected, Yingluck probably wouldn’t win. Someone else from Pheu Thai might, but I honestly believe the voters can see past her. 

I don’t believe that the divide is about Thaksin any longer. I believe Pheu Thai has outgrown him and his sister and now has a life of its own. Farmers now know that the rice price-pledging scheme was a failure for both them and the country. 

The key to straightening out this mess is to change the election laws to require that all lawmakers be elected. Put an end to the political-appointee racket and give the people the candidates they want. If for any reason the prevailing powers fear such a resolution, then it cannot be for a good reason, but it is inevitable that this country is going to have an opposition party, whether it likes it or not. 

There will be no reconciliation in our lifetime because not everyone sees things the same way. If they are unwilling to accept that, then they should just abandon democracy, form some other type of government and let the international chips fall where they might. I would hate to see that happen, but unless the right people begin to accept reality, it just might come to that.

John Arnone