People provide mixed opinions when asked what they think about election candidates moving from one to another political party when the time comes for a fresh election, according to the result of an opinion survey by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University or Suan Dusit Poll.
The poll was conducted on July 24-28 on 1,096 people throughout the country to compile their opinions on reports of election candidates switching parties or being poached to join another party.
When asked to comment on this matter, 47.07% of the respondents said it is normal for candidates to switch parties when a new election is drawing near; 31.19% said candidates who do so will be subject to public scrutiny; 30.28% said it is the right of the individual candidates to do so; 22.16% said the practice will weaken the party system; and, 16.88% said the people should follow reports about this in order to make a decision on who to vote for.
Asked what is more important to them between an individual candidate and a political party, 38.69% said both are of equal importance; 33.30% said they give more importance to the candidate, who they is usually closer to the people than their party; and, 28.01% said they attach more importance to the party, reasoning that a strong political party with a strong leader can support the performance of its candidates.
Asked whether they will still vote for if a candidate they voted for in the last election moves to another party in a new election, 50.91% are uncertain, saying that they will have to consider many factors before making a decision; 27.28% said they will still do so as they attach more importance to individuals than to a party; and, 21.81% said they will be disappointed and will not vote for that candidate again.
