Military treats democracy like a video game

Military treats democracy like a video game

There's a sign for the Election Commission, but it's an empty meeting table, with all five EC members losing their jobs as the regime hits 'Reset' for political gains. (Bangkok Post file photo by Krit Promsaka na Sakolnakorn)
There's a sign for the Election Commission, but it's an empty meeting table, with all five EC members losing their jobs as the regime hits 'Reset' for political gains. (Bangkok Post file photo by Krit Promsaka na Sakolnakorn)

Our leaders handle politics as if it were a video game. There is a reset button. Everything can be reset to zero -- and we start all over again.

The latest to be reset is the Election Commission (EC) after the new organic law governing the EC was passed by the National Legislative Assembly on Friday. The five incumbent election commissioners selected and appointed under the defunct 2007 constitution will lose their jobs and seven new ones will be selected within four months.

There were arguments for and against this provision in the draft law. Some feel the current commissioners should be allowed to continue their work till the end of their seven-year term which began in 2013. Although the current EC was heavily criticised in their failed attempt to conduct elections in 2014 due to political protests, they have the necessary experience for the upcoming election next year.

Suranand Vejjajiva was secretary-general to the prime minister during the Yingluck Shinawatra government and is now a political analyst.

Others opted for a new team of commissioners. The EC law is one of the most important organic laws of the new constitution, and to start over would be within the spirit of reform. It is hoped the selection process of the commissioners under the provisions of the new law will guarantee impartiality and independence from political influence.

But there are concerns about an ulterior motive. Some are afraid that the regime may fill the vacancies with those close to them.

But some have argued that pushing for new EC commissioners signifies double standards. The new constitution sanctioned continuity of other independent bodies, for instance, the Constitutional Court. At the same time, if legal procedures get tangled up, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is willing to use the special powers of Section 44 to facilitate the process, like the selection of the commissioners of the Auditor General.

This means all are not treated equally under the law. For that matter, any Thai individual can become the victim of discrimination by resetting, which is widely known in Thai as "set zero".

The biggest and most bogus "set zeros" of all, of course, are coups d'etat.

Coups disrupt and destroy democratic processes. They suppress citizens' rights and liberties. Institutional development is halted and reorganised to the liking of those who took power.

In Thailand, coups d'etat are usually a collusion of the military and the elite technocrats, financed by business interests. By the barrel of the gun arises political power, to paraphrase what Chinese leader Mao Zedong stated. The military was and continues to be the instrument of the elites in taking matters into their own hands when not satisfied with politicians elected by the majority of the people.

Then they tinker with the constitution, particularly the election mechanisms, to enable continued control and manipulation of the country. And when it turned out otherwise -- not in accordance with their interests or when the personnel involved do not serve them -- then they push the reset button.

Why do they do it? There is a naïve reasoning and a malevolent one. Mind you, both are equally pathetic.

The first one goes like this: The 1932 Revolution which transformed the country from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy occurred before the appropriate time. Khana Rassadorn members were young, who were educated abroad and, thus they did not understand that Thais were not ready for democracy. They became power corrupt and infighting ensued. Eventually the military presented itself as the guardian of the nation. With such upheaval, the country was reset.

Generations of military leaders who staged coups followed this rhetoric: People were not ready. They needed to be educated first. They were too easily fooled by the politicians who used the elections to legitimise their quest for power.

They often claim politicians are corrupt. Yet, they look at themselves as more educated, while technocrats are more intellectually stimulated. They are the "good" people. The masses must be led by the superior vanguard in the name of national security, peace and order.

Some leaders are naive who believe they can make things right overnight. That they know better. That they can dictate how society should be.

With such an attitude, those leaders use power to suppress differences. Apart from undermining institutions and public trust, such a practice reinforces class differences and patron-client relationship, establishing forever the rulers and the ruled.

At another level, many believe there is a mastermind -- a conspiracy even -- that tries hard to preserve the status quo where a class of people forever dominate and direct the country for their personal and oligarchs' interests. The same individuals have been the ones who deliberately "reset" the system to suit their dominance.

I view it as more inherent within our political structure and culture. It is a culture of technocrats and authoritative military which can maintain the power, and without ever being uprooted by colonialism or experiencing a loss in a modern war, it has become institutionalised.

The change induced by the 1932 Revolution was a non-violent one compared to revolutions of the same sort around the world. Democracy has never had a chance to take a firm root as citizens may feel they had to lose blood and tears to attain freedom. Thais basically remain subservient to those in power.

Our education system teaches us not to question authorities. State propaganda reinforces it. Our religion, Buddhism which is blended with Hinduism, leads us to believe in karma that reinforces submissiveness.

That is: We are in this ordeal because of the karma we did in the past life. The way out? Do good things, make offerings to monks and the next life will be better. It is a condition of the mind that makes many accept the situation as it is.

In short, Thais condone system resetting.

And now again we come to a juncture where there is a process that ensures the regime's presence after an election. The resetting of the EC is one. Others will follow various reform agendas. Some long-term schemes and legislation are designed to curb public dissent.

Resembling the coding of video games, the regime makes it quite clear that if people are up against them, they are ready to reset the game, and all will start from zero once again.

Suranand Vejjajiva

Former secretary-general to the prime minister

Suranand Vejjajiva was secretary-general to the prime minister during the Yingluck Shinawatra government and is now a political analyst.

Email : info@bangkokvoice.com

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