PM Prayut braces for more 'democracy' - a public vote on charter

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
PM braces for more 'democracy' - a public vote on charter
The Nation

Referendum nightmare is something that comes with the territory

BANGKOK: -- Maybe the case for why the draft constitution should go through a public referendum has been presented unintentionally, through various changes proposed by several groups. If those changes were accommodated, Thailand's new charter would not be the world's best, but messiest. And this is despite the fact that more changes are yet to be requested.

A floodgate has been opened, and this begs the intriguing question whether the much-advocated referendum could provide the ultimate solution. Of course, a referendum may decide the question whether the Thai public accept or reject the draft put before them, but the referendum won't necessarily reveal what the Thai people actually want.

Formulating referendum questions can be a nightmare. If Thais are asked to simply vote "Yes" or "No" to the draft, an approved draft may not contain key elements that voters want. In other words, Thais may be forced to say "Yes" to a considerably "flawed" draft.

But if the referendum questions need to go into details, how much should they haves? A lot of proposals have been sent to the Constitution Drafting Committee and a lot more will be coming. Those proposing the changes can easily claim that theirs are "important details" that should be put before the public in a referendum.

Some proposals are related to electoral system. Others are on the origin and structure of the Senate. Some concern key controversial points such as the access to the prime minister's post, which the draft says can be held by someone who hasn't run in an election. Others touch on relatively minor, technical aspects like whether some articles should be removed or merged with others, or how the Human Rights Commission can function alongside Ombudsmen.

For the drafters to consider just some of the proposed changes would be a headache. Many clauses are related, meaning changing one could have a domino effect, requiring that many others need to be changed accordingly. The Constitution Drafting Assembly is by all means in an unenviable position. First of all, current or future proposals from key agencies like the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the Election Commission can't be overlooked. But then again, if changes proposed by "lesser" groups are ignored, accusations that Thailand's political reform process is "undemocratic" will abound.

A referendum can court a lot of trouble. But things will be worse without a referendum. The cascade of proposed changes means many groups aren't happy with the draft. Indeed, the abundance of proposals means the Thai public wants to take part in this meaningful process. Failure to take heed will undoubtedly downgrade the draft, especially if it doesn't go to a referendum.

The large number of proposals, on one hand, makes a referendum more dreadful in the eyes of the drafters and the junta. On the other, it underscores the need for the final draft to get some legitimacy, which only a referendum can provide. There is perhaps just one option to resolve this dilemma - to allow Thais to vote on the draft.

Interim Prime Minister and coupmaker Prayut Chan-o-cha seems to have leaned toward a referendum, despite his initial, extreme reluctance. A year after seizing power, his path has not always been smooth, but what he has gone through could almost certainly feel like rosy when the referendum process gets into high swing. Having tasted glimpses of democracy, all its good and bad will come down on him at once in the near future.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/PM-braces-for-more-democracy--a-public-vote-on-cha-30261816.html


-- The Nation 2015-06-08

[Always18]

Please..........enough of this B.S.

It's not possible to have "more" of anything when none exists in the first place - every Thai institution that has been created since the coup has been carefully stuffed with cronies and yes-men, any democratic element has been conspicuous by its absence............

Edited June 8, 2015 by Always18

[rametindallas]

Please..........enough of this B.S.

It's not possible to have "more" of anything when none exists in the first place - every Thai institution that has been created since the coup has been carefully stuffed with cronies and yes-men, any democratic element has been conspicuous by it's absence............

It's not possible to have "more" of anything when none exists in the first place - every Thai institution that has been created since the coup has been carefully stuffed with cronies and yes-men, any democratic element has been conspicuous by it's absence............

Even is what you say is true (which I don't believe for one minute), how is that any different than the previous 'democratic' Thaksin puppet government?

.

[gk10002000]

How can there be a vote or referendum when nobody has been allowed to publicly discuss or debate the darn things? goodness. As much as I love Thailand and have enjoyed my dozen visits, the government or whatever it is really is disappointing. But, having said that, their system is probably a big factor in why so many of the ladies are demure, and polite. They are raised that way to follow. Still looking forward to my next long holiday there.

[Srikcir]

Bracing for more democracy --

What General Prayut is beginning to experience are the vapors of participatory democracy. The self-acclaimed democratic soldier fears winds of the Thai people's sovereignty that would blow him off the top of his mountain.

You can expect to see a more radlicalized one-man government to protect and extend its powers.

[Praematura]

So he is bracing for a vote on a charter taking away the democratic vote for the people to select a pm amongst other things. That's about as disingenuous as it gets.

[Lupatria]

Thais may be forced to say "Yes" to a considerably "flawed" draft.

Looks like that's exactly the goal. Maybe another statesman is looking for the chance to hold a press conference on an "aircraft carrier" to repeat the famous quote:

"Mission accomplished."

[Tatsujin]

Please..........enough of this B.S.

It's not possible to have "more" of anything when none exists in the first place - every Thai institution that has been created since the coup has been carefully stuffed with cronies and yes-men, any democratic element has been conspicuous by its absence............

Just substitute "before" instead of "since" in your last sentence and it's just as accurate a statement for the past decade or so.

[Eric Loh]

Please..........enough of this B.S.

It's not possible to have "more" of anything when none exists in the first place - every Thai institution that has been created since the coup has been carefully stuffed with cronies and yes-men, any democratic element has been conspicuous by it's absence............

It's not possible to have "more" of anything when none exists in the first place - every Thai institution that has been created since the coup has been carefully stuffed with cronies and yes-men, any democratic element has been conspicuous by it's absence............

Even is what you say is true (which I don't believe for one minute), how is that any different than the previous 'democratic' Thaksin puppet government?

.

At least a democractic government has a firmed date line for election and laws that ruled against cronism and got the government out. Now an election will only be held at the pleasure of the junta and cronies put into positions and protests silenced. They even shredded the constitution, declared amnesty for themselves and imposed Art 44. How is that same as previous?

[LannaGuy]

Please..........enough of this B.S.

It's not possible to have "more" of anything when none exists in the first place - every Thai institution that has been created since the coup has been carefully stuffed with cronies and yes-men, any democratic element has been conspicuous by it's absence............

It's not possible to have "more" of anything when none exists in the first place - every Thai institution that has been created since the coup has been carefully stuffed with cronies and yes-men, any democratic element has been conspicuous by it's absence............

Even is what you say is true (which I don't believe for one minute), how is that any different than the previous 'democratic' Thaksin puppet government?

.

you don't 'believe' that all the institutions have been stuffed with cronies and yes men? what planet are you from? anyway any Referendum will be 'Hobson's Choice' and so it'll be no real choice at all

[Thailand]

See post 5 ,spot on!