Going forward, democratically

Going forward, democratically

Daily News Editorial _ The results of last Sunday's general election should enable the country's democratic system to move forward. Before the election, it was widely speculated in various circles that the next government would be a coalition of various parties, making it unstable.

Parties which are left out of the coalition and some power groups opposed to certain members of the new government might organise protests, thereby precipitating a new round of political conflict.

These dire predictions may not materialise. It all depends on the Thai people.

Those bent on fomenting turmoil will not succeed if the public are against it.

Of course, everyone has the right to support or reject any political groups or parties, but they must listen to the voice of the majority and take care that their actions are democratic.

The party that gains the most votes in parliament must be responsive to the voice of others as well.

It must let the democratic system run its course.

Parties that are able to form a new coalition government must also listen to those with different ideas and policies.

All politicians must embrace the country's democratic system with His Majesty the King as head of state.

They must follow the King's appeal for unity and reconciliation.

Without unity and reconciliation, it is difficult to create peace and happiness. If every party shares the same intention to work for the benefit of the country and the public, there will be no more conflict.

Their unity will also prevent forces outside the democratic system from intervening in the political process.