We cannot resist it. We just have to compare the two elections.IN THAILANDPopular name for country: Land of SmilesElection precedent: Prime Minister’s family reaping huge financial windfallIn the event of just one candidate: A “no vote” option for votersIn the event of just one candidate: A minimum of 20 percent vote to enter ParliamentWhen campaign starts: Months before elections are calledWhen campaign ends: Well after elections are heldGovernment candidates: Some may defect to oppositionOpposition candidates: Plentiful, but they boycott the electionsThe electorate: VociferousWho becomes prime minister: Depends on the mobStatus of parks and shopping malls: Places for ralliesLanguage spoken by candidates: ThaiPolitical process: Messy and empoweringType of political system: DemocracyIN SINGAPOREPopular name for country: A Fine CityElection precedent: Prime Minister announcing Progress Package for allIn the event of just one candidate: A walkover victoryIn the event of just one candidate: An immediate entry into ParliamentWhen campaign starts: Well before elections are calledWhen campaign ends: Just before Polling DayGovernment candidates: Introduced well before election is calledOpposition candidates: Scarce, but more than eager to runThe electorate: ApatheticWho becomes prime minister: Depends on the winning partyStatus of parks and shopping malls: Places to avoid ralliesLanguage spoken by candidates: Queen’s EnglishPolitical process: Tidy and overpoweringType of political system: Democracy
