None of three strongest parties will be able to win a majority of the seats in the coming elections. In the end, a coalition of parties will be needed for these parties to gather the votes necessary to appoint their preferred Prime Minister candidate.
Author Archives: blackbox
Thailand’s 2019 Elections: Regime Change or Prolonging Junta Rule?
Coming 5 years after the military coup that ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s 2019 elections will likely mark the start of a new round of struggles to set the terms of a political order that is still in flux .
Nahdlatul Ulama and the Framing of an Ideological Battle in the 2019 Indonesian Elections
Indonesia’s 2019 presidential elections have turned into a proxy battle between two different ideological leanings. Anti-caliphate and moderate Islamist groups backing Joko Widodo have arrayed themselves against pro-caliphate groups backing Prabowo.
The Significance of the Second Trump – Kim Summit for Vietnam
As a country rebuilt from the ruins of war, hosting the second Trump-Kim summit will give Vietnam an opportunity to enhance its international standing and play a bigger role in international affairs.
Ahead of 2020 Elections, Moves to Amend the Myanmar Constitution
Making good on one of their 2015 campaign promises, Myanmar’s ruling NLD party has formed a Joint Committee for Constitutional Amendment just ahead of the 2020 elections. However, even with its super-majority, the party will still need the support of minority parties and military representatives to pass any amendments.
Why is Malaysia Slow to Ratify the CPTPP?
Despite becoming a signatory to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, Malaysia has yet to ratify the agreement, citing concerns over the required governance reform that will impact their preferential Bumiputera policies.
Is the Participation of Buddhist Monks in Thai Politics still Taboo?
In the past two decades, Thai monks have become more involved in national politics. This development is unprecedented and has created a growing tension between the Thai state and the Thai sangha.
Delayed Elections and Growing Frustrations in Northeastern Thailand
Even though Thailand’s pro-junta camp has been beefing up their electoral support, they still do not seem ready to hold the long-delayed elections. Further postponement of the 2019 elections may cause protestors to take to the streets once again.
US Navy Conducts First South China Sea FONOP of 2019
A recent freedom of navigation operation conducted by the USS McCampbell in the South China coincided with talks in Beijing between US and China. The relatively restrained response by the People’s Liberation Army lessened the risk of a collision – and a serious crisis in China-US relations.
How to Read Hanoi’s Position on the South China Sea COC?
The ASEAN-China Code of Conduct negotiations took an unexpected turn when Vietnam started calling for a ban on any new Air Defence Identification Zone over the South China Sea. However, China is unlikely to concede due to its maritime ambitions, and may even harden its stance against these pressures.