Thailand Rethinks Referendum Rules: Middle Ground Proposal Emerges

[snoop1130]

 

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

 

 

[Srikcir]

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The cost of a referendum is currently estimated at 3 billion baht (US$88 million).

Cost is Irrelevant. Preservation of the power and sovereignty of the electorate should be Supreme.

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

This proposed solution suggests that over half of eligible voters participate, with a simple majority of their votes required for approval.

Better recognition to the sovereignty of the electorate to decide the form of government. Then maybe this can lead to a better understanding to what Thailand's Constitutional Monarchy means in terms of electoral power.

[mfd101]

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

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.

Um, not sure what the difference is ...

 

As to postal voting, well, the possibilities for rigging the result are just endless. And wunnerful prospects for money changing hands ...

[nobodysfriend]

 

 

Re- and rewrite the constitution until it fits ... whom ?

The ones in power want to cement their right to be and stay in power ...?

[BillyBloggs]

When they get to the constuition make both houses selected by the people, not selsected by anyone else