NRC holds forum to hear opinions on new constitution

[Lite Beer]

NRC holds forum to hear opinions on new constitution
KRIS BHROMSUTHI
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- KEY political parties yesterday criticised several controversial provisions in the draft charter and demanded that they be amended before a referendum is held.

The National Reform Council (NRC)'s panel on political reform held the forum yesterday to hear opinions from the public and political parties. Members from the largest political parties were present, including Pheu Thai's Samart Kaewmeechai and Democrat Party's Jurin Laksanawisit.

Representatives from smaller parties such as Nikorn Chamnong from Chart Thai Pattana and Piyachanok Limpapan from Chart Thai Party also attended.

Samart proposed several issues related to the provisions in question and the referendum. For instance, he said, people should be given a choice between the 1997 Constitution and the newly drafted charter.

Those present also said the charter draft weakened the power of the people in terms of making decisions in relation to an administration.

The introduction of "political groups" in elections would also greatly damage the development of parties, and also showed that the drafters have no trust in the political parties system, Samart said.

He also claimed non-elected senators would pose a threat to Thai democracy, as they would be given greater powers with no democratic legitimacy.

The Democrat Party also offered recommendations for charter amendments, especially on Articles 181 and 182, as under these provisions, the prime minister would get "too much power", which could lead to parliamentary dictatorship.

Article 181 states that PM can ask the parliament for a vote of confidence, but if the premier does not get at least 50 per cent, then the parliament can be dissolved.

Article 182 say that the premier can propose an important bill to the parliament, but if the bill is rejected the parliament will be dissolved. These two articles are apparently designed to provide the PM with tools to keep the MPs "under control".

However, Jurin said these provisions would damage the checks and balances because they would reduce MPs' motive to scrutinise the prime minister for fear that the parliament would be dissolved, leading to a new general election, which would cost them a lot of money.

In his opening remarks, the NRC political reform panel's chairman Sombat Thamrongthanyawong said the forum's main objective was to collect opinions from the public and the political sector, which will then be compiled and submitted to the Constitution Drafting Committee. He said he wants to ensure that all opinions are heard so the country has a long-lasting charter that is accepted by all sides.

Niran Pantharakit, an NRC political reform panel member, also laid out the panel's amendment proposals related to seven issues, including the provision allowing "political groups" to stand for elections; scope of power and acquisition of the Senate; the electoral system, the "acquisition" and qualification of the premier and charter referendum.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/NRC-holds-forum-to-hear-opinions-on-new-constituti-30260235.html

-- The Nation 2015-05-16

[zaphod reborn]

Wouldn't it be a better process for the referendum to allow alternate choices with respect to the challenged charter provisions? That way PTP can just get it over with, once and for all. They could propose a charter provision appointing Thaksin dictator for life, to see if there really is majority support for the only platform proposal in their arsenal.

[Srikcir]

Wouldn't it be a better process for the referendum to allow alternate choices with respect to the challenged charter provisions? That way PTP can just get it over with, once and for all. They could propose a charter provision appointing Thaksin dictator for life, to see if there really is majority support for the only platform proposal in their arsenal.

I double dare the Junta to allow a vote on Thaksin for life. It would throw all the 4,000 generals out of work.