A majority of people support the retention of the ban on political activities by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), reasoning that they want to see the country at peace, according to an opinion survey by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, or Suan Dusit Poll.
The poll was conducted on Aug 9-12 on 1,143 people throughout the country to gauge their opinions on Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon's remark that the political ban will not yet be lifted, even though the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has passed an organic law regulating political parties.
Gen Prawit, who is in charge of security affairs, said the situation has not yet returned to normal and important political cases are still pending court rulings.
A majority of the respondents - 60.89% - agreed with Gen Prawit, while 39.11% disagreed.
Of those who agreed with Gen Prawit, 73.49% said they wanted the ban to remain in force because they want to see the country at peace; 69.40% said they do not want to see politicians quarrel; 67.67% said with the ban retained, the government can better control the political situation; 59.05% said the ban should continue until there is an election, and 46.88% said they want to see the Government's roadmap completed.
Of those who disagreed, 74.50% said they wanted the ban lifted because it restricts political parties; 63.76% said maintaining the ban may lead to another conflict; 56.38% said the ban will leave little time for political parties to prepare for an election; 47.65% said it will become a hot political issue, and 38.36% said people will be unable to stay up to date with politicians' activities.