Economist Podcasts Generals’ election: Thai politics
May 9, 2019
Miranda Johnson, a Southeast Asia correspondent, dissects Thailand's recent tumultuous election, revealing how military influence still looms large despite calls for democracy. Anton LaGuardia, a digital editor, sheds light on Russia's escalating involvement in Syria, comparing it to historical U.S. interventions and the shifting power dynamics in the Middle East. They also touch on the unique literary culture of Guinea-Bissau, where soldier-poets express the complexities of military life and the struggle for societal change.
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Thai Election Rigging
- Thailand held its first general election since the 2014 coup.
- The junta rigged the election to maintain power, including appointing the upper house.
Junta's Power Grab
- Opposition parties initially seemed to win a lower house majority.
- However, the Election Commission altered seat allocation, granting the junta a minority.
New Government's Priorities
- A weak pro-military coalition government is likely, with the current general remaining prime minister.
- The new government will uphold the monarchy and suppress dissent.