The use of violence, social injustice, and suppression of freedom of expression may protect the politicians' power only for a short time frame. But this power will eventually be from society in which the people are increasingly participating in politics. This is what is manifested in the latest Thai elections, which should serve as a good lesson for political leaders in the neighboring countries and the world so as to make them govern in a way that increasingly serves the people's interests.
Impact of Red-Shirt Movement
Aphisit Vejjajiva took office as the Thailand's prime minister in 2008 with the support from the yellow-shirt group, military, and people at the powerful royal palace. His power was threatened many times because of the huge demonstrations by the red-shirt group close to Thaksin Shinawatra. Bloody crackdown was the choice of the military and government that was then led by Aphisit. The crackdown enabled him to be in power until now.
Although this allowed him to hold the prime ministerial position for two years, it did not make his position long lasting. Thai people have taught him about the importance of democracy; reminding him that they need a leader with more broadmindedness than him in terms of freedom and economic policies.
Disgraceful Political Record
The 3 July elections in Thailand have booted Aphisit out of his controversial prime ministerial position. The election results show that Pheu Thai Party has won 265 seats, which is more than enough to set up a government led by the first female prime minister, Yinglak, Thaksin's youngest sister, in the history of Thailand. Aphisit has conceded the defeat in the elections. He will leave his prime ministerial office with his disgraceful political record. Aphisit will remember that as a prime minister he has caused bloodshed in Thailand and endangered democracy.
People will remember him in a bad way rather than a good one. To be fair for him, he will at least not be remembered as a person who clings on to power as he was willing to have the elections on 3 July.
Responsibility and Transparency
Aphisit will not be able to meet the leaders of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) members and other countries' leaders. But he has left behind a good lesson for leaders in both the region and the world. Leaders should remember that in democracy it requires to have a leader who takes utmost care of their people and pay attention to their freedom. Crackdown, suppression of freedom of expression, and oppression of all types are not a good way to govern a country or maintain their power for a long time. Instead, they should lead a country with responsibility and transparency by designing pro-poor policies, which is a good choice for leading the country with full support from the people. Any failure to do so will lead to political defeat.
Impact of Red-Shirt Movement
Aphisit Vejjajiva took office as the Thailand's prime minister in 2008 with the support from the yellow-shirt group, military, and people at the powerful royal palace. His power was threatened many times because of the huge demonstrations by the red-shirt group close to Thaksin Shinawatra. Bloody crackdown was the choice of the military and government that was then led by Aphisit. The crackdown enabled him to be in power until now.
Although this allowed him to hold the prime ministerial position for two years, it did not make his position long lasting. Thai people have taught him about the importance of democracy; reminding him that they need a leader with more broadmindedness than him in terms of freedom and economic policies.
Disgraceful Political Record
The 3 July elections in Thailand have booted Aphisit out of his controversial prime ministerial position. The election results show that Pheu Thai Party has won 265 seats, which is more than enough to set up a government led by the first female prime minister, Yinglak, Thaksin's youngest sister, in the history of Thailand. Aphisit has conceded the defeat in the elections. He will leave his prime ministerial office with his disgraceful political record. Aphisit will remember that as a prime minister he has caused bloodshed in Thailand and endangered democracy.
People will remember him in a bad way rather than a good one. To be fair for him, he will at least not be remembered as a person who clings on to power as he was willing to have the elections on 3 July.
Responsibility and Transparency
Aphisit will not be able to meet the leaders of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) members and other countries' leaders. But he has left behind a good lesson for leaders in both the region and the world. Leaders should remember that in democracy it requires to have a leader who takes utmost care of their people and pay attention to their freedom. Crackdown, suppression of freedom of expression, and oppression of all types are not a good way to govern a country or maintain their power for a long time. Instead, they should lead a country with responsibility and transparency by designing pro-poor policies, which is a good choice for leading the country with full support from the people. Any failure to do so will lead to political defeat.
No comments:
Post a Comment