Anutin Denies Influencing Senate on Referendum Rule Change

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Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, rejected accusations yesterday, October 1, that his party swayed the Senate's vote to retain the double majority requirement for constitutional referendums.

 

“We had nothing to do with it,” Anutin stated, addressing Senator Nantana Nantavaropas' remarks suggesting possible manipulation in the vote.

 

Anutin, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, stressed that any push for a new constitution must go through coalition leaders first. Chousak Sirinil, PM’s Office Minister, added that a joint committee is expected to iron out the differences between the Lower and Upper Houses regarding the majority needed for the referendum.

 

 

 

 

Chousak mentioned that Pheu Thai must consult with coalition heads to advance the new constitution. Some coalition parties suggest amending Section 256 to establish a drafting body for the new charter. If Parliament approves a new constitution this way, it could be immediately put to a referendum.

 

Wisut Chainarun, a Pheu Thai list-MP and chief government whip, will organise a meeting of coalition leaders to discuss the matter. Chousak is confident that the new constitution can be drafted within the government’s remaining term and proposed forming a panel for the charter-rewrite.

 

On Monday, the Upper House voted 164-21, with nine abstentions, to keep the double majority rule, which requires over 50% voter turnout and majority approval in referendums. The composition of the new Senate, viewed as having ties to Bhumjaithai, raises suspicions, with 14 senators from Buriram and several others from well-represented provinces in the Lower House. In total, the Bhumjaithai-aligned blue bloc comprises at least 150 of 200 senators.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-10-02