Ever since the coup of 2014, those who query the actions of the regime have met with the same response: “Do you want everything to go back to where it was before May 2014.”

The challenge from critics has taken various forms:

“The international community is calling for restoration of democracy.”

“Is the single-ballot system really the best answer for voters?”

“A fair referendum should be conducted in an open atmosphere where freedom of expression is not limited.”

Each time it is met with the same rhetorical question:

“Do you want everything to go back as before May 2014?”

And poof! End of story. It works like magic. The questioners are silenced.

It is understandable that we remain daunted by the nightmare we suffered prior to the coup. However, the two years that has elapsed is time enough for us to have woken up, looked around and begun to figure out where we are right now.

Our location “right now” is detailed in the junta’s so-called road map to democracy. More precisely we are at a crucial point, with the junta-sponsored constitution draft set to go to a public vote along with an additional question on whether the appointed Senate should be empowered to select a prime minister. If the draft charter passes the referendum, the military will very likely extend its control over politics for at least another five years after the next election.

What’s more, right now the powers-that-be are pushing hard to promote the draft, highlighting its reform plans and mechanisms to curb corruption that were demanded by those who demonstrated against the government in 2013 and 2014. And right now, civil groups who oppose the draft have found their own activism severely restricted by the recent referendum bill. Voters are thus being deprived of the chance to hear both sides of the argument and make their choice accordingly.

Under the threat of a return of political violence, it appears we have sacrificed a fair referendum in which all sides are free to speak their minds. The result is that we do not get to hear clearly from each side about the pros and cons of the charter before making a decision that will impact our lives for at least the next five years, and for 20 years if the national strategy is implemented.

Should our silence be read as consent?

Is it true that the path we are on won’t lead back to the political turmoil prior to May 2014? Right now we need to cast off the blinkers of fear and take a good look at where we are actually going.

We are being warned to fear history and learn from it. But what’s equally important is to distinguish fear from vigilance.

The vigilant examine their surroundings carefully. In contrast, the fearful bury their heads in the sand so they don’t have to face what’s out there.