Pheu Thai’s Sudarat Keyuraphan, Democrat Ong-art Klampaiboon, and Bhumjaithai’s Anutin Charnvirakul took part in a panel discussion, “Thailand’s road map, how far is it”, organised by Isra Institute’s 7th Media Executives Class on yesterday.

Sudarat said at this point nobody could said when the election would be held – not even prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha – because a great deal of uncertainty lay ahead, especially concerning enactment of the organic laws. But if there is no election in the next one or two years, Sudarat believed that the country and its people would suffer due to effects of the uncertainty on the economy.

Ong-art said the road map determines that the election be held late next year, but considering signs sent by the premier himself, reconciliation would be a critical factor affecting that timetable. Nobody was certain whether all the concerned parties had come to terms with reconciliation yet.

Anutin said despite the uncertainty, he believed that the election would take place sooner rather than later, as the junta government could not prolong its term any further. Anutin predicted that it would fall somewhere in 2018.

“To prevent unpleasant reactions, PM Prayut must keep his word and follow the road map,” said Anutin, adding that those who came to politics in the future should not act as “a fish of two waters” to confuse matters again.

Sudarat said her party could not convene a meeting yet, although some suggested that she might take over as leader. She said her party’s stance still remained the same, which is protecting the constitutional monarchy from any sanctions, including future coups.

Ong-art said of politics after the election that parties should be allowed to have the freedom to propose their leaders for the role of premier. The idea of a “national government” is a matter for the future, and the picture of Thai politics would become clearer when an election is held, he said.

‘Revive trust’

Anutin said it would be the worst nightmare if the appointed senators selected the premier, |as that could shake political stability.

He urged concerned parties to allow politics to proceed naturally, allowing parties to compete in an agreeable and acceptable system.

Associate Professor Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, of Thammasat University’s Law Faculty, said enactment of the organic laws had become a factor for the election. The Constitution Drafting Commission did not write into the charter what to |do next if the laws were not completed within the deadline, suggesting room for the junta to drag its heels on calling an election, he said.

Prinya said politicians should show some spirit and help revive trust in democracy among the people by respecting the rules. This could help bring the election nearer to reality, he added.

Prinya, however, believed that “hybrid” politics – where the elected MPs would work alongside the selected senators – would prevail in the short term. It was questionable whether this was the best option for the country, although this was the plan for the first five years.

He suggested that all parties allow the senators to work freely, including in voting for a new prime minister. All parties in conflict, be they ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra or the junta itself, should step back and allow the politicians and senators to work for the people, he said.