Thailand Rethinks Referendum Rules: Middle Ground Proposal Emerges

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Thailand's House of Representatives and the Senate are progressing towards a potential compromise regarding the criteria for holding a referendum to amend the constitution. This development follows discussions by a joint House-Senate committee that convened yesterday.

 

Currently, the House favours a simple majority of participating voters to approve the constitutional rewrite plan. In contrast, the Senate advocates for a stricter double majority rule. Here, 50% of all registered voters must participate, and 50% of those votes must endorse the changes for approval.

 

Nikorn Chamnong proposed a 'one and a half layer majority' compromise, aiming to reconcile these views. This proposed solution suggests that over half of eligible voters participate, with a simple majority of their votes required for approval.

 

As both sides mull over this proposal, discussions are set to continue on November 20. There, the feasibility of conducting referendums via postal voting will be considered, potentially reducing costs and increasing voter engagement. The cost of a referendum is currently estimated at 3 billion baht (US$88 million).

 

Nikorn noted the attractiveness of the postal vote, citing its convenience. Other political figures, like Senator Phisit Aphiwatthanaphong and Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana of the United Thai Nation Party, have also shown interest in this approach.

 

As ideas and proposals swirl, members remain divided, but there's a collective openness to finding common ground. The path to amending Thailand's constitution may well hinge on this delicate process of negotiation and compromise.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-11-08