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Academics voice concerns on Primary Vote system

A Thai academic has outlined concerns that the Primary Vote system proposed for the upcoming general election, while reducing party board influence, may foster disruptive competition between party members.

King Prajadhipok's Institute researcher, Satidhorn Thananitichote, speaking at the “New Precedent for Thai Democratic Reform” forum, acknowledged that the Primary Vote system used in the UK, Canada and the US encourages public participation in the democratic process and political diversity but noted concerns it may encourage too much competition within parties and lead to disunity. He pointed out his fears are the main reason why Thai political parties have shown reluctance to adopt the system.

Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Political Science instructor Chaiyan Chaiyaporn said today that while the aim of the Primary Vote is to attract more public involvement and reduce the influence of party bosses, its application in Thailand may actually have the opposite effect due to a requirement that citizens will need to apply for party membership and the need for them to make their votes known. His fear is that citizens in professions requiring neutrality, such as civil service and journalism, will avoid the system.

Information and Source
Reporter : Itiporn  Lakarnchua
Rewriter : Itiporn  Lakarnchua
National News Bureau & Public Relations


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