In a true democracy dictatorship is not possible
Re: “Both are bad but here’s why democracy is far better than dictatorship”, Have Your Say, yesterday.
The writer overlooks one vital fundamental point. In a true democracy a military coup d’etat could not take place. It’s not a matter of either/or but a matter of establishing democracy in the first place. A military coup is proof democracy does not exist. The 2014 coup and the 19 previous coups since 1932 clearly illustrate the non-existence of democracy in Thailand.
It is only democracy that allows people a meaningful vote. While dictatorships may allow the vote, the vote is not democratic simply because there is no accountability. An oligarchy can be appointed by universal suffrage but it cannot be deposed by the right to vote – hence coups d’etat.
“Democracy” is a hackneyed term bandied around largely without being understood. Therein lies the cause of criticism of democracy. In a sentence: democracy is a form of government controlled by laws, not people. In a democracy every single person, high or low, is accountable under the law. The paramount law is the constitution. A democracy is held in place by an unbiased judiciary supported by a non-partisan police force.
JC Wilcox
