Rushing democracy is anything but 'wise'

There are two ways to look at American government “concern” over Thailand’s leisurely “return to democracy”. Perhaps Washington has zero faith in our military regime and thus assumes that, the sooner Thais get back to the ballot boxes, the better. Either that or it hasn’t been following the Thai crisis closely and is merely reading from its pro-democracy manual when reacting to reports that a general election is unlikely to take place until 2016.

Make no mistake: Thailand needs democracy. It's the only way to go. But if the country's inability to hold an election next year prompts the US to use such biting words as “unwise” and “unjustified” – as reported by Reuters – we’re clearly not getting much sympathy. Thailand already had one election nullified earlier this year amid simmering political strife. America must consider the possibility that Thailand wants to make sure that doesn’t happen again.

Again, make no mistake: If our government tries to delay the election beyond a reasonable timeframe, all criticism will be justified. For now, though, it would do Washington no harm to reread reports about the high tension, bombings and murders in broad daylight that marred the run-up to the election last February. 

The prelude to that vote might have been viewed differently in America, but people here were under extreme stress, and threats of a wider violence and even a civil war were real. 

The United States is entitled to withhold faith in the Thai government. A large portion of the Thai public must harbour doubts too, if not outright mistrust. However, it if for the people of Thailand to decide exactly when an election should be held. “Unwise” and “unjustified” are strong words that should be used only by observers who have genuine, unbiased knowledge of the situation. To call our vote delay “unwise” is tantamount to saying an election sooner would be “wise” even though more innocent children might die in political violence.

Our leaders are entitled to delay the next election by three or four months if that will help ensure the prudent mapping out of the country’s new political system. Reforming the system is an excruciatingly delicate matter and cannot be rushed. It will also take time for citizens to absorb and embrace the ideals laid out in the new constitution. 

Recent history has shown where hasty reform leads, with the worst example being the amnesty bill touted by the Yingluck Shinawatra administration as an essential step toward reconciliation.

Everyone here agrees that democracy deserves a chance, but democracy has its own time and place. Poor timing can render democracy unrecognisable. 

The military government has to be watched, and criticism from the West will keep the self-installed rulers on their toes. The jury is still out as to whether the generals’ pledge to reform Thailand and return it to democracy will hold true. While “the jury” weighs its verdict, though, judgmental words like “unwise” and “unjustified” are to be avoided. 

It would certainly not be wise to rush an election, only to end up back at Square One. Our circumstances warrant a slow but sure approach. Launching an election campaign when thorny issues remain unsettled would put every hope at risk, including the return to democracy.