People hold mixed opinions over whether the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)'s ban on political activities should be loosened or totally lifted, according to the result of a survey by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University or Suan Dusit Poll.
The poll was conducted on 1,033 people throughout the country on Aug 29-Sept 1 to compile their opinions about the NCPO's announcement that it may lift or ease the ban on political activities.
Asked their opinions, 46.33% said the ban should be totally lifted to enable political parties to prepare for the election; 35.26% said the restrictions should be loosened to allow some political activities; and 18.41% said the total ban should remain in place, saying that the government should concentrate on the country's economy.
Asked for their chief concerns should the political ban be lifted in its entirety, 48.96% said the country would be plagued with conflicts; 35.76% said political groups would come out to rally and protest; 25.35% thought that campaigning might turn violent; 22.05% feared that people would not respect the laws; and 17.19% said the government would find it difficult to keep the situation under control.
Asked in what respects the ban should be eased, 41.57% of respondents said the government should issue clear guidelines for campaigning; 40.18% said political parties should be allowed to pick their election candidates; 27.02% said parties should be allowed to elect their leaders; 17.09% said parties should be allowed to campaign on social media; and 13.86% said the election date should be clearly set and constituencies defined.
Asked which elements of the ban should remain, 39.66% of respondents cited large-scale, public political campaigns; 36.21% mentioned holding party meetings and political gatherings; and 24.13% cited parties' organisation of activities to meet voters.
