How to create an informed electorate
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I thank PM Prayut for allowing Chulalongkorn University's Political Science Faculty to conduct a seminar recently on post-coup politics, with leading figures from both sides of the political divide, and others, presenting their views.
Voters must be well-informed on key issues if they are to choose what is in their best long-term interests, and such education takes months and even years. After approving the Scottish independence referendum, the UK parliament allowed a two-year gap before the polls.
Our universities and professional associations should take the lead in exploring all reform areas, presenting all sides of each question, sand seeking to shed light and not heat, for they have both the training and the expertise to do so. Such activities, carried out on a large scale, will enable us to follow Lord Buddha’s sage words: “Believe nothing just because a so-called wise person said it. Believe nothing just because a belief is generally held. Believe nothing just because it is said in ancient books. Believe nothing just because someone else believes it. Believe only what you yourself test and judge to be true.”
Let us vote based on calm rationale, not emotions and ignorance.
Burin Kantabutra
