BURNING ISSUE
Chief of the new CDC expected to toe the NCPO line
ATTAYUTH BOOTSRIPOOM

BANGKOK: -- AFTER his return from a United Nations General Assembly meeting in the United States, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will sign an order appointing members of a new constitution drafting committee (CDC).

So far, it has been unclear who will become the new constitution drafters. Attention is mainly on who will be appointed chairman of the new CDC.

Media speculation has been split over the choice for head constitution drafter - former Senate speaker Meechai Ruchuphan or former prime minister Anand Panyarachun.

Following much rumour about him, Meechai, a respected legal expert, wrote on his Website Meechaithailand.com that, "I am looking closely to see what is happening in this country. The mass media have reported so much about me."

In response to a question about whether he would accept or reject an offer to become a constitution drafter, Meechai replied: "To accept or reject an offer, do I need to explain a reason?" Such a reply had led to speculation he might not have accepted or even rejected the offer. So, we might have to wait until the last minute to know about his decision.

It is interesting that the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has placed so much importance on the position of chairman of the new CDC. Some critics say that in fact anyone [qualified] could do the job, as the mission seemed to be clear for the new charter writers. And their final draft was unlikely to differ much from the version rejected by the National Reform Council early this month.

The reason is that the new chief drafter is likely to act as the NCPO's representative. He has to relay the requirements from the powers-that-be to the other constitution drafters. So, the person to be appointed new chairman of the CDC will not be "just anyone".

Also, that person must have considerable credibility in addition to an impressive background. These qualities are necessary to help boost the credibility of the new constitution. The chief and other constitution drafters will help explain to the public certain questionable provisions that might be included in the new charter. Those clauses might require more explanation than others to convince the public they should be included. That was the job former CDC chairman Borwornsak Uwanno had filled many times.

Recently, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam suggested an unusual "formula" in the new constitution involving political parties. He said that termination of all the existing parties should be required and then their registration should be done anew.

Wissanu argued that this was to ensure fairness to all political parties. He explained that the electoral law required election candidates needed to be members of a political party for at least 90 days, a requirement that caused disadvantage for smaller parties.

He said the country's two largest parties had a strong advantage over the smaller ones and newcomers. "They should not have advantage in all areas. They should give others some opportunity. They should share with those who had far less than they did."

Judging from Wissanu’s explanation, it appeared the NCPO wanted to see coalition governments, after this current administration, with smaller political parties having more bargaining power against core coalition partners.

Under the current rules, there is little chance for politicians to switch parties. If all political parties were terminated, the politicians could freely choose which ones they wanted to join. Those formerly affiliated with larger parties might opt for new parties with a good chance of forming the next government.

One thing is certain: Small and middle-sized parties will have increased bargaining power. The country's two largest parties foresee the threat. Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva warned that the country would go backwards to a time when "special-purpose political parties" were formed with the only goal of winning the election. Wissanu's idea also has been strongly opposed by Pheu Thai politicians.

If all political parties were to be dissolved, observers expect former MPs would join a new party that might claim support from the powers-that-be. They certainly see that as a better chance of forming the government.

That could be the real goal of "resetting" the political parties.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Chief-of-the-new-CDC-expected-to-toe-the-NCPO-line-30269441.html


-- The Nation 2015-09-24

Wow, this really is a major surprise !

No way will the PM appoint anyone who isn't ' his ' man or woman to any post and let's not talk about suitability, ability or competence as they are not a prerequisite.

Wow, this really is a major surprise !

No way will the PM appoint anyone who isn't ' his ' man or woman to any post and let's not talk about suitability, ability or competence as they are not a prerequisite.

NKK....I'm sure he's left strict instructions to his minnions as to who to put on the list.......power freaks do that:)

Lets face it they, are not going to appoint people who are going to form a new political party called "The Thai People's Democratic Party" , ( TTPDP ) using a slogan free Thai from Military oppression , now are they.