Let’s get out and vote our conscience

Anyone who thinks that “making our votes count” tomorrow is easier said than done can be forgiven. Politics is so complicated in Thailand that a lot of people justifiably don’t know how to vote in the referendum on the draft constitution. Should they vote “yes” or “no” or just stay home and avoid the headache? 

In a sign of just how complex the predicament is, each of these options seems to make sense in its own way. The fundamental question, though, comes down to “How do I make my vote count?” The answer is to turn out in huge numbers.

Yes, even if there’s a mammoth turnout tomorrow, as is widely expected, that too might be interpreted in different ways. It could represent a show of force or it could mean that citizens have been tricked into playing a political game whose outcome offers them scant benefit, no matter what their preference. 

As for that outcome, there really is only one guarantee – it will come under rigorous scrutiny.

The circumstances under which the referendum is being held are anything but normal, but there is ample argument that, regardless, we should all just get out and vote according to our conscience. The charter draft is a controversial document created under controversial circumstances brought about by controversial events. The rift separating Thais will certainly be apparent in the result of tomorrow’s vote. But the referendum should be seen for what it is and not as some mighty tool for restoring national harmony – it’s a part of growing up, politically and ideologically.

No referendum ever held anywhere in the world has attempted to reinforce national unity. Scotland was bitterly polarised in 2014 when its citizens decided on remaining part of the United Kingdom. Last month’s “Brexit” vote was extremely divisive and its consequences remain difficult to assess. Referendums are an attempt to settle irreconcilable differences, even if ultimately they don’t serve that function. 

It’s Thailand’s turn tomorrow. Some of the questions whirling around the referendum are fair, some ludicrous. 

The draft pleases some people and disappoints others. All the more reason we need a demonstrative turnout – this is a crucial moment in the nation’s process of growing up, and even the most reluctant citizen should set aside scepticism or any other rationalisation and take part.

Thailand has been a constitution factory, battling over a fresh one and its amendments every few years, whether necessitated by coups or not. Most have been written and abolished with little say from the people they were meant to protect, serving instead as toys in elitist power plays. Tomorrow’s vote has a lot to do with which powerful players win or lose, of course, but at least this time we all have a proper say in it.

A constitutional referendum should take place under better circumstances, but we’ve been living with political imperfection long enough to know a promising opportunity when we see one. Even at our country’s democratic high-water mark, key elements were missing or flawed. That’s surely why we find ourselves on the eve of another contentious choice. For all this vote’s shortcomings, any return to the ballot box is to be welcomed.

So let’s vote according to our hearts and consciences and see what happens. The outcome isn’t going to resolve our crisis of disunity, but it might help us on the way. And high numbers in the turnout will send a message to the rival leaders standing in the way of the nation’s progress.