Violence can derail poll: PM

By The Nation

April poll 'possible' if proposed charter amendments go through

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday that there would be an early general election unless the ongoing street protests turn violent.

Abhisit said that if constitutional amendments cleared the final reading on February 11 and new electoral rules were promulgated by late February or early March, one of his three conditions for early elections will have been met.

He said that dissolution of the House of Representatives in April, as has been speculated, was possible.

The premier added that he did not expect the ongoing protest by the People's Alliance for Democracy to derail an early election.

"If the demonstrations remain peaceful, there will be no problems. No violence should be allowed to happen," he said.

The PAD, generally known as the yellow shirts, have vowed to protest until demands relating to the border conflict with Cambodia are met.

The three conditions set by the prime minister for early House dissolution and elections are: recovery from the global economic crisis; a political environment that does not impede election campaigning; and electoral rules that are acceptable to the parties involved.

The current House of Representatives' four-year term ends in December. A general election must be called no more than 45 days after that.

Yesterday a joint meeting of the two Houses of Parliament passed constitutional amendment of Articles 93 to 98 on the second reading after 11 hours of debate.

The amendment to Article 93, which would reduce the number of constituency MPs to 375 and increase party-list MPs to 125, passed with a vote of 298 to 211, with 35 abstentions.

Proposed amendments to Articles 94 to 98, which were voted on one-by-one, also sailed through the second reading with approval votes ranging from 301 to 307 and disapproval votes ranging from 192 to 200. Many MPs from the opposition Pheu Thai Party, who earlier said they would abstain, voted against all the amendments, which were suggested by a government-appointed committee.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who is the secretary-general of the ruling Democrat Party, said he was satisfied with the results and happy that the smaller coalition partners eventually changed their minds and supported the 375-125 formula favoured by the Democrats. Some of the parties had earlier pushed for a 400-100 formula.

Suthep rejected as groundless media reports that the turnaround was caused by Democrat promises of Cabinet seats in a future coalition government.

"It's impossible to make such empty promises when you don't know the results of the next election," he said.

Pheu Thai MP Witthaya Buranasiri, the opposition chief whip, yesterday said the about-turn was due to heavy lobbying. He said the charter changes were aimed at boosting the chances of Abhisit Vejjajiva becoming prime minister again.

"The Democrat Party wants to become the core coalition partner once again," he added.

Meanwhile, the coalition's chief whip, Democrat MP Witthaya Kaewparadai, yesterday expressed confidence the constitutional amendments would pass the third and final reading.

To do so the amendments will require support from at least half the combined number of MPs and senators - 313 - and not just the majority of parliamentarians present during the vote.

How they voted

The Chart Thai Pattana, Puea Pandin and Democrat parties opposed the apportionment formula of 375 seats for constituency MPs and 125 for party-list MPs in the second reading and Pheu Thai supported it.

Chart Thai Pattana Party

3 votes against

1. Sanan Kajornprasart, party-list MP

2. Siriwat Kajornprasart, Phichit MP

3. Peeradej siriwansan, Nakhon Sawan MP

4 abstentions

1. Paradorn Prissananantakul, Angthong MP

2. Chada Thaised, Uthai Thani MP

3. Ni-aris Jetaphiwat, Narathiwat MP

4. Watchara Yaworhasan, Narathiwat MP

Puea Pandin

1 abstention

Waemahadee Waeda-oh, party-list MP

1 vote against

Somkiat Soralum, party-list MP

Democrat Party

1 abstention

Preechaya Khamjaroen, Ratchaburi MP

Pheu Thai Party

3 votes for

1. Nikom Chaokittisophon, party-list MP

2. Jirapan Limsakulsirirat, Samut Prakan MP

3. Piyarach Meunsaen, Roi Et MP

7 abstentions

1. Kanok Limtrakul, Uttaradit MP

2. Jatuporn Prompan, party-list MP

3. Chalard Kharmchaung, Roi Et MP

4. Samart Kaewmechai, Chiang Rai MP

5. Surachet Chaikoson, Ayutthaya MP

6. Ittirat Chandrasurin, Lampang MP

7. Udomdej Rattanasatien, Nonthaburi MP

-- The Nation 2011-01-27

The Chart Thai Pattana, Puea Pandin and Democrat parties opposed the apportionment formula of 375 seats for constituency MPs and 125 for party-list MPs in the second reading and Pheu Thai supported it.

The Democrats opposed their own proposal?

Doesn't the Nation have any proof readers?

I used to think the two main political parties in Australia were nuts - this beats all!

Pheu Thai MP Witthaya Buranasiri, the opposition chief whip, yesterday said the about-turn was due to heavy lobbying. He said the charter changes were aimed at boosting the chances of Abhisit Vejjajiva becoming prime minister again.

"The Democrat Party wants to become the core coalition partner once again," he added.

And the PTP doesnt want to become the core coalition partner?