Talk of vote lobbying just rumours: NRC boss

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Talk of vote lobbying just rumours: NRC boss
KHANITTHA THEPKAJORN
WASAMON AUDJARINT
THE NATION



SIX GROUPS SEEN VOTING FOR OR AGAINST THE NEW CONSTITUTION

BANGKOK: -- THE chairman of the National Reform Council (NRC) yesterday rejected speculation that some NRC members are being lobbied to vote a certain way on the draft charter in exchange for a seat on a proposed council to drive reform when the NRC's term ends.

"The rumour was just the rumour. I was on a high ground and didn't hear anything. It's just the wind blowing past at low ground, so let it pass. Don't take it serious. We have more important work to do for our country," Thienchay Kiranandana said.

In response to NRC members' claims that their colleagues have been lobbied to vote for the charter, Thienchay said they are just expressing personal views, not the NRC's mindset as a whole.

He said he trusted NRC members to make decisions for the national interest, adding that the NRC would never prohibit members expressing their thoughts during the 15 days before the vote on the charter.

In response to political activist-turned-lecturer Suriyasai Katasila's suggestion that NRC members make statements explaining the reasoning behind their vote, Thienchay said the current working system was good enough and the process should not be entered into with distrust.

"If we keep recording everything on paper, that would rather undermine democracy," Thienchay said.

Borwornsak Uwanno, chair of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) and NRC vice chairman, agreed, saying such a thing has never happened before in terms of voting for a constitution.

Borwornsak said if the NRC did not pass the draft, both the NRC and the CDC's terms would end, and the National Council for Peace and Order would select new committees.

He was not worried about the result, saying the drafting would not be in vain, even if it is voted down.

On Thursday, Thienchay, plus Borwornsak and the NRC's second vice chairperson Tassana Boontong, will reveal the body's "blueprint for changes", or a report on the NRC's tasks.

Some NRC members speculated yesterday that the body is likely to endorse the draft charter although it is too early for that to be conclusive.

NRC members Boonlert Kachayutthadej and Nimit Sitthitrai said many reporters had asked them about how they will vote but they were yet to decide.

They said the 249-strong NRC is divided into six groups in terms of voting positions. The vote is slated for September 7.

The first group, they said, was the 20 who also sit on the CDC, and they would definitely endorse the draft charter.

Group two is composed of members who will approve the draft charter because they believe it possesses more positives than negatives.

Group three consists of the 22 members who proposed adding a question in the referendum to gauge whether the electorate wishes to see two years of reform prior to a general election. They are likely to endorse the draft charter, as their leader is also a charter drafter.

Group four is composed of members who have made up their mind to reject the draft because they believe that problematic provisions in it will cause political problems.

They also believe that the political situation is still not stable enough.

Boonlert and Nimit said the fifth group was made up of members who are undecided and waiting to see the final draft, while the last group is also undecided but would take the political situation at the time of the vote into consideration before casting their vote.

The last group, Boonlert said, would make their decision based on whether they believe the charter will lead to a new round of political conflict.

In a related development, environmental lawyer Srisuwan Janya, part of a pro-constitution group, submitted a letter to the NRC chair asking for the committee to investigate claims that some NRC members are trying to get the charter voted down. He said such action was unethical.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Talk-of-vote-lobbying-just-rumours-NRC-boss-30266323.html


-- The Nation 2015-08-11

[NongKhaiKid]

Rumors - Yes.

Well Founded - Most definitely, couldn't be LoS otherwise !

[Hayduke]

Happy people don't spread rumors. Something needs to be done about this...who knows where it might lead?

[jerojero]

Who cares! Army bosses regardless will dictate outcomes.

[EnglishJohn]

Who cares! Army bosses regardless will dictate outcomes.

After the 310:0 amnesty vote, you should be too ashamed to be making statements like this. Why aren't you ?.

Every indication so far is that it will be a completely free vote. The opposite of what Thailand had before.

[bamnutsak]

It's revealing that when the "Good People" "arrange" a vote it is called "Vote Lobbying".

[brucec64]

Who cares! Army bosses regardless will dictate outcomes.

After the 310:0 amnesty vote, you should be too ashamed to be making statements like this. Why aren't you ?.

Every indication so far is that it will be a completely free vote. The opposite of what Thailand had before.

The OP photo has a striking resemblance to Dr. Evil and cohorts planning world domination.

They even use the same tailor.

Edited August 11, 2015 by brucec64

[Srikcir]

Put the rumor to rest.

Ban members of the NRC from taking a seat on a proposed council.

Same for CDC and NLA Junta-appointed members.

This would be preventing a conflict of interest and abuse of power - crimes that only an elected government can be charged.

[h90]

"THE chairman of the National Reform Council (NRC) yesterday rejected speculation that some NRC members are being lobbied to vote a certain way on the draft charter in exchange for a seat on a proposed council to drive reform when the NRC's term ends."

no in exchange they get something different....cash?

[15Peter20]

"If we keep recording everything on paper, that would rather undermine democracy," Thienchay said.

Oh dear.....