Let the city poll begin!

Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha should officially set the date for the Bangkok governor election. With several candidates already out canvassing for votes, the buzz has been built. When the city’s problems and proposals for their solutions are discussed, people yearn to exercise their choice. There is no better time to hold the long overdue election.

The last gubernatorial race was held nine years ago. That was the last time the people of Bangkok had a chance to pick who they would like to run the metropolis.

Three years after that in 2016, Gen Prayut used his power as head of the National Peace Keeping Council (NPKC) to temporarily remove then-governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra following allegations of his involvement in irregularities made by the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG).

At that time, Gen Prayut reasoned that his removal would clear the way for a full investigation and MR Sukhumbhand could return to City Hall if he were cleared of the allegations.

Subsequently, deputy governor Aswin Kwanmuang was promoted to the job and has clung on to the post for the past six years.

Despite his efforts, however, the city remains mired in its deep-rooted problems, which only seem to be worsening.

From major issues like flooding, air pollution and traffic congestion to relatively minor nuisances including substandard pavements, the public have seen their quality of life decline.

It is true that many of these problems, some of which are structural, won’t be solved just with the election of a new governor. Still, it is high time people are given back their chance to choose, not just who they would like as their governor but also which problems and proposals they prioritise.

Gen Prayut has been criticised for dragging his feet in setting the date for the poll.

Evidently, Chadchart Sittipunt, the former transport minister associated with the opposition Pheu Thai Party who is running as an independent, is leading the field by a wide margin in every poll.

Meanwhile, the entry of the Democrat Party’s candidate, Suchatvee Suwansawat, formerly the rector of King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, has also set off debates about his policies and proposals.

This is all happening when the ruling Palang Pracharath Party has yet to name its candidate.

Coming under pressure, Gen Prayut said late last year the city would go to the polls no later than mid-2022 to elect the governor and city councillors, along as the internal security situation was satisfactory and the capital properly prepared.

As such, there seems to be no reason to delay the gubernatorial election any further. Even though a new outbreak of Covid-19 caused by the Omicron variant is expected in the first quarter, the authorities appear well prepared for it.

Also, local elections were successfully held amid a previous outbreak. It may be a challenge to hold a free and fair election for the city of millions, but it is yet another test of how we must learn to live with the threat of Covid-19.

With the government rocked by the debate about when Gen Prayut’s tenure expires, and more infighting within the ruling party, it’s time to set a date as soon as possible so the public have a fair chance to consider the ideas set forth by the candidates.