After Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat fell short of votes needed to take the job of prime minister in parliament last Thursday, speculation has emerged once again regarding the possibility of a minority government. However, any implications of such a government are deeply disturbing and must be decisively dismissed.
The speculation gained traction when the MFP retaliated against the military-appointed senators who refused to endorse Mr Pita as the next prime minister. The party on Friday submitted a proposal to revoke Section 272 of the charter, which allows the 250-member Senate to participate in selecting a prime minister.
This move has diminished Mr Pita's chances of securing the parliamentary votes to determine his prime ministerial fate in the upcoming second round, scheduled for July 19.
Now, there is speculation that minority parties that previously joined the outgoing Prayut government might nominate someone to challenge Mr Pita in the vote. Since Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha recently announced his decision to quit politics, the leading contender, if nominated, appears to be Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, the leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP).
Mathematically speaking, parties outside the eight-party coalition possess a combined 188 MPs, compared to 313 held by the coalition. They need an additional 187 parliamentary votes to secure 375, half of the total parliamentary lawmakers, and effectively nominate their own prime ministerial candidate to achieve victory. In truth, obtaining 187 votes from the existing 249 appointed senators would not prove overly difficult, potentially leading to the formation of a minority government.
While some may argue that minority governments are inherently unstable, the complexities of Thai politics could make a difference. Once a minority government is formed, effective tactics may be employed to lure MPs from other camps to join their ranks, gradually transitioning the government into a majority.
Even legal expert Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam has hinted at the possibility of a short-lived minority government transitioning into a majority. While this may seem like a pragmatic move, it raises concerns as it could be interpreted as Thai politicians playing political games that undermine the true essence of democracy and the will of the voters.
This raises doubts about the legitimacy of the government's actions, potentially diverging from the majority's desires.
Furthermore, given the recent election results reflecting the desire for change and reforms among most voters, the formation of a minority government that cleaves to the status quo would contradict the will of the people.
The process of selecting the prime minister and forming a new government should not drag on, as it could adversely affect investor confidence and the overall economy. However, forming a minority government would only further jeopardise the country's credibility and hinder its development.
Any idea of a minority government should be unequivocally rejected and it is hoped that parties that publicly promised they would not support a minority government will heed their own words.
Thailand deserves a stable and representative government that can address the needs and aspirations of its people, and a minority government is unlikely to achieve such aims.