Prayut’s code explained

[rooster59]

Prayut’s code explained

By The Nation

 

 

What does the latest Article 44 order to allow political parties to begin their activities ahead of the next general election mean? Somroutai Sapsomboon and Jintana Panyaarvudh answer some questions

 

Junta chief and Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has exercised his absolute power via Article 44 to amend the Political Party Act which came into effect on October 8 to change the deadline required under the law for political parties to be prepared for the next election.

Here are the highlights and a decoding of the six-page-order published in the Royal Gazette and effective from Friday:

 

When will the junta ban on political activities be lifted?

 

The ban is likely to stay until the organic law on the election of MPs comes into effect as stated in the order. The law is expected to be promulgated in June, as stated by Government Spokesman Lt-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd on Tuesday.

 

Will political parties or their party members be reset?

 

The order allows existing political parties and their executive party members to maintain their status. But there may be a reset for party members.

 

The order opens the opportunity for existing party members to rethink whether they will stay with their current parties or review their political allegiances. If current party members want to keep their party membership, they must submit letters to confirm that choice to the party leader and pay a membership fee between April 1-30 next year, or they will lose their status.

 

The current political party law previously authorises parties to update their party-member lists within 90 days. With a short period of time and practical difficulties, the chance that existing parties will lose members is high.

 

Will the order give advantage to new parties over old or existing ones?

 

Yes, citing “fairness”, it allows new parties to start their activities a month earlier than existing parties.

 

From March 1 next year, any groups that want to found new parties can begin the process, including seeking Bt1 million in seed funding. They can also ask for permission from the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to convene a meeting to prepare to register a new party.

 

Existing parties face tougher regulations. They will be able to begin some of their activities from April 1 next year or a six months delay after the political party law was promulgated in October.

 

Existing parties will have 30 days, from May 1-30, 2018, instead of 90 days as stated in the current law, to update their list of party members to the registrar of political parties. From April 1 – September 30, 2018, they must register seed funding of no less than Bt1 million and have at least 500 qualified members to pay a party membership fee.

 

Existing parties will be able to convene a general meeting to select their executive party members within 90 days after the NCPO’s orders involving a ban on political activities and gatherings are lifted. In this case, the meeting could be delayed at least until after June, which is the scheduled date of the promulgation of the MP election law.

 

Will the election be delayed from November next year, as currently scheduled?

 

Probably yes. The order states that after the organic law concerning the election of MPs is promulgated, which is expected by the government in June next year, the Cabinet shall tell the NCPO to consider amending or revoking any orders or laws that obstruct political activities.

 

The order also states that the Cabinet and NCPO shall conduct a political road map to the next election after discussions with the Election Commission, Constitution Drafting Commission, President of the National Legislative Assembly and representatives from political parties or groups.

 

This part of the order means that it opens the way for any amendment on other election regulations, including a primary voting system or a new system for all parties to select MP candidates and the time frame to the election, as well as any other conditions set by the junta before the next election is held. For example, a social pact for reconciliation may be put on the table again.

 

In conclusion: The latest order via Article 44 appears to facilitate an advantage for new parties. This comes amid concerns that new parties will be founded to support the junta and prolong its period in power after the next election. Existing parties are still under a ban on their activities and face difficulties in maintaining their status and support base. Most importantly, the chances of a November election are uncertain, and the chance to reset the road map is open.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30334648

 

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-12-24

[leeneeds]

9 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

Most importantly, the chances of a November election are uncertain, and the chance to reset the road map is open.

Never ask for clear directions from the junta, as you will never make a turn to the destination.

[jaywalker]

1 hour ago, leeneeds said:

Never ask for clear directions from the junta, as you will never make a turn to the destination.

I concur non-concurrence.

[Bluespunk]

2 hours ago, rooster59 said:

Yes, citing “fairness”, it allows new parties to start their activities a month earlier than existing parties.

Hmm, I wonder who might be thinking of setting up a new party.

[anon467848]

The Junta, masters of smoke and mirrors.... Move on, nothing going to see here, we are in complete control.. ☺ 

[stephen tracy]

3 hours ago, merlin2002 said:

The Junta, masters of smoke and mirrors.... Move on, nothing going to see here, we are in complete control.. ☺ 

They are not masters of smoke and mirrors. Smoke and mirrors - when employed correctly - may actually fool people, but the junta are just too dumb to fool anyone. Everything they do and say has a clear motive. 

[andersonat]

Is it possible for "independent" Candidates (ie Candidates *not* running on a party-ticket) to stand in the Election ? - I only ever read stories about *party*-Candidates. 

[champers]

15 minutes ago, andersonat said:

Is it possible for "independent" Candidates (ie Candidates *not* running on a party-ticket) to stand in the Election ? - I only ever read stories about *party*-Candidates. 

Good point. I think the answer to your question is "No" but I imagine if Toon; for example; stood somewhere as an Independant he might do rather well.

[yellowboat]

7 hours ago, rooster59 said:

Yes, citing “fairness”, it allows new parties to start their activities a month earlier than existing parties.

Yes, the junta sponsored party, should there ever be such a thing, needs time to beat its drum and start all kinds of projects in the north and east.  It Would be best to leave the ostentatious signs of wealth at home though.

[champers]

2 minutes ago, yellowboat said:

Yes, the junta sponsored party, should there ever be such a thing, needs time to beat its drum and start all kinds of projects in the north and east.  It Would be best to leave the ostentatious signs of wealth at home though.

Hasn't it already started campaigning? Every time the mobile cabinet convenes it announces bold spending plans for the area they are visiting. Don't forget the party poltical broadcast every Friday evening.

[Chris Lawrence]

Go the T's from that sleepy hamlet up far north. Are any of these guys in line for a run in the first 15? May have to sit on the reserves bench for a while?

 

However the other T, Toon may be the messiah in this battle; if he runs for Prime Minister would have a good chance of winning a majority of votes.

 

This is just my left field call, but it looks as though the military boys won't be giving up the reins of the sleigh in the near future. Too many unwrapped presents still to come.

 

Merry Christmas to all.