CONSTITUTION

Coalition agrees to amend six points

By The Nation

Published on October 5, 2009

Newin says govt could last until June next year

The coalition partners of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's government yesterday endorsed a bid to amend six key points of the 2007 Constitution.

Newin Chidchob, who attended a high-powered meeting with the premier at Baan Phitsanulok on behalf of the Bhum Jai Thai Party, said there would be a separate draft for each of the key points for consideration by Parliament.

Abhisit declined to talk to reporters after the evening meeting, but there was reportedly a deal with other coalition party leaders.

The Abhisit government comprises six parties - the premier's Democrat Party, Newin's Bhum Jai Thai Party, Banharn Silapa-archa's Chart Thai Pattana Party, Suwat Liptapanlop's Ruam Jai Thai Party, Pinij Jarusombat's Puea Pandin Party and Suwit Khunkitti's Social Action Party.

All these coalition leaders were present at yesterday's meeting, even though they have been banned from politics for a five-year period.

One of the six key issues is to amend Article 237, which prescribes punishment by party dissolution in case of election fraud.

Another key issue is to regroup constituencies for the so-called one-man, one-vote system.

Newin, who has been a powerful behind-the-scenes figure in the coalition, said the Abhisit government could last until next June if the charter amendment goes smoothly.

Abhisit said during his weekly address that a referendum would be conducted for the people to vote on each of the six issues slated for rewriting.

Parliament is going to take charge of the drafting of the six amendments while the government will assist in organising the referendum, he said.

Before the casting of the referendum votes, the whips are expected to launch an awareness campaign to clearly explain the pros and cons of each issue to voters, he said.

He reminded critics not to be overly concerned about partisan interests related to the charter amendments, saying voters would not approve any self-serving amendments.

The charter amendments, if passed by Parliament and approved in the referendum, will likely lessen the polarisation, he said, noting much of the existing animosity among politicians stemmed from differing views on charter provisions. The people will be the final judge to render the verdict on all or parts of the amendments, he said.

For example, the proposed amendment of Article 237 should be decided by a referendum and not by politicians, he said. All views on the provision will be aired and the government will respect the conclusion formed by the people, he said.

Even though in his personal opinion, he thinks the punishment for election fraud should be aimed at party executives and not the party, he would respect the referendum outcome.

He dismissed speculation about his coalition trying to cling to power by stretching the drafting and referendum proceedings.

The rough estimate of nine months to complete the charter amendment was based on prescribed steps under the law, he said.

-- The Nation 2009/10/05

When is the next election scheduled as per the 2007 constitution?

This projection sounds reasonable to me.

So now we have a common plan, which is good.

And yes, what is the term of the current parliament?. As I recall, it was elected in December 2007 and the constitution of that year proscribes the standard 5-year term, which would put its expiration at late 2012. Could anyone verify or correct these dates?

I'd prefer to see this coalition serve to its full term, but since the coalition has a coherent plan an election later next year seems viable.

This BULILAM hustler will be in the next government as always.Never mind who will be the PM.

When is the next election scheduled as per the 2007 constitution?

The term of office is 4 years.

If the Government stay in office for the full term, then the House of Representatives will be dissolved on the 23rd December 2011, and a General election must be held within 45 days. So the latest an election can be held is Sunday 5th Feb 2012.

Should the Prime Minister dissolve Parliament early, then an election must take place within 60 days.