NLA President: Different opinions on electoral system not to cause conflict

[webfact]

NLA President: Different opinions on electoral system not to cause conflict

BANGKOK, 24 December 2014 (NNT) - The president of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) does not think the hotly-debated issue of electoral system will cause any conflict among members of the National Reform Council (NRC) and the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC).

Speaking about the differences of opinion on whether or not Thailand should adopt the idea of direct election of prime minister and the cabinet, NLA President Phonpetch Wichitchonlachai said the reform council and the charter rewrite committee remain united despite the fact that there have been some differing viewpoints on the issue.

According to him, the CDC’s decision not to have the prime minister elected by members of parliament mirrors their view that no single group of individuals can influence or manipulate the drafting of the permanent charter, adding that the CDC will gather more input from the public as well as review the rule of law before actually starting the writing process.

Although the CDC has resolved to maintain the parliamentary system, some adjustments must be made to the legislation in an attempt to prevent individuals from exploiting legal loopholes as well as to assure that members of parliament are the true voices of the people, he noted.


-- NNT 2014-12-24

[FangFerang]

I do not like nor dislike this approach. Electoral distortions occur in every democratic society, and in every non-democratic society. There must be a way to assure a balance of power.

I hope the Thais make an innovation that others can emulate.

Unfortunately, there are politicians involved, and that means....obfuscation, lies and damn lies. I would hope they require a Super Majority, a 2/3 or 3/4 vote to ratify the charter. While too many cooks spoil the broth, many hands can make light work.

[rickirs]

In both traditional parliamentary and presidential systems there is a check and balance between all the elements of government (ie., executive, legislative, and judicial branches). But in Thailand there can never be a check and balance because of a power bloc that exists outside such check and balance. That entity by virtue of its independent armed forces can and does decide at any time without respect to the electoral representation on what check and balance should apply to any part of the government.

So in an Orwellian sense of irony, The NLA President is correct - there is nothing truly that can cause conflict in whatever the final constitution delivers. The NCPO will maintain its absolute power over the nation. The NCPO is The Collective and like it or not, all Thais will belong to it.

[fobuff]

In both traditional parliamentary and presidential systems there is a check and balance between all the elements of government (ie., executive, legislative, and judicial branches). But in Thailand there can never be a check and balance because of a power bloc that exists outside such check and balance. That entity by virtue of its independent armed forces can and does decide at any time without respect to the electoral representation on what check and balance should apply to any part of the government.

So in an Orwellian sense of irony, The NLA President is correct - there is nothing truly that can cause conflict in whatever the final constitution delivers. The NCPO will maintain its absolute power over the nation. The NCPO is The Collective and like it or not, all Thais will belong to it.

CRAPOLA

[Emster23]

Some may recall that one of the points that led to downfall of last government was the radical idea that Parliament members should be elected by the people: no large blocs for military etc. I would not be surprised at all if the new charter gives more power to entrenched elite, with vote of people mere window dressing to give illusion of democracy.