Editorial

Date certain, process shaky

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont deserves credit for setting election dates. It is an astute move from a government seldom accused of political cleverness.

By committing to a constitutional referendum in September, followed by a December general election, Gen Surayud takes care of several problems all at once.

He has disarmed cynical opponents who claim the army's goal is to cling to power. He has realistically adjusted the improbable timeline trumpeted by the military junta that overthrew the last government on Sept 19. And he has given confidence to the majority of Thais who want to see a return to democratic processes.

The dates set by the prime minister were quickly seconded by the Election Commission. This group has had its ups and downs in the past year, yet it is vital to the election process. The previous EC was at least negligent and definitely illegal in its conduct.

The new commission has had little work, and thus no opportunity to show ability. For members to leap on the premier's statement and begin preliminary organisation is an encouraging step. No one knows how the commission will perform, but the new members are alert, aware and geared up to go.

However, there is a long road and probably a few detours to get to a smooth, honest general election. First up in that march is the Constitution Drafting Committee.

That body, under the military-backed chairmanship of Sqn Ldr Prasong Soonsiri, is under severe stress. It has to thrash out extremely contentious issues, assemble hundreds of paragraphs into an understandable charter _ and present it in final form to the public in a little over four months.

A draft constitution is due this month, followed by a round of intensive public comment. The ruling Council for National Security and Thai democrats are far apart on some of the toughest questions. These range from whether a prime minister must be elected to the importance of a state religion.

Then comes the first constitutional referendum in Thai history. Citizens will get a chance to vote ''yes'' or _ perhaps nothing else, under the CNS plan. There is to be a fallback constitution if the nation clearly rejects the new charter. That is why Gen Surayud is fairly confident that he will have a functioning constitution in his hands by the middle of September, whatever its form. That procedure is crucial.

Even 90 days is not a long time for the political process to kick in. One questionable part of the prime minister's timetable is the September target to legalise political parties once again.

The parties, particularly Thai Rak Thai, already have tested the barriers of coup announcements 15 and 27.

For example, the line between organising recent anti-government rallies and strongly participating in the protests is obviously wide. TRT claims not to be running the demonstrations, although its former members are high-profile participants.

The temptation to cheat will only grow stronger between now and September, raising questions of whether one party will gain an advantage over the other. The EC red cards must be available, and wielded when necessary.

It is hoped that the premier's announcement of an election date will take the wind out of the sails of the Friday rallies being organised by the pro-Thaksin PTV.

Large or divisive demonstrations, focusing uniquely on the real and imagined faults of the government and CNS, only complicate the return to an elected government and democratic accountability.

Of course, critics will jump on any detour or delay of the polls to justify further street rallies. Since there is no reason to think Gen Surayud was trying to mislead the country, everyone should give him a chance to deliver on his important timetable.

One would like to see strong support for the prime minister's schedule for constitution and election. Amid the reaction to the announcement, CNS chief Sonthi Boonyaratkalin and other junta members were silent.

The military should be united behind the plans for a December election. They will ensure a transition back to democracy as peaceful and violence-free as the military coup. Under Gen Surayud's plan, Thailand can return to democracy, the army can return to the barracks.

Bangkok Post
Tuesday April 03, 2007