NRSA has no objection on allowing relatives of MPs to run in senate election

BANGKOK, 28 December 2015 (NNT) - The National Reform Steering Assembly has no objection to the consideration to allow relatives of members of parliament to run in the senate election under the new Constitution.

Chairman of the NRSA committee on political affairs Seree Suwanpanont said that the Constitution Drafting Commission’s plan to place no ban on relatives of any incumbent MPs to contest in the senate election is acceptable if the charter drafters make sure that the responsibility of the Senate under the new charter is limited to law screening and not to impeach law makers.

If that is the case, Mr. Seree believes that there will be nothing to worry about although he noted that the senate election is still a political issue and still needs a rigorous and strong system to check on the Upper House’s work.

Concerning suggestions that senators representing various professional groups should be allowed to vote for their peers who represent different groups, Mr. Seree said that will not likely help prevent any lobbying among candidates or related groups.


-- NNT 2015-12-28

I know we are all trying for a Democracy even a Thai one but the message one gets is extreme nepotism I just can't help this.

I thought nepotism was compulsory not optional?

I see the door to corruption, nepotism and fiefdoms is being thrown wide open.

Amazing Thailand, indeed. Unfortunately, there seems to be no hope for this country.

I have no issue with relatives of House MPs running for Senate so long as the Senate is not involved in Senate candidate screeing and the Senate is directly elected.

The proposed process creates a conflict of interest and opportunity for corruption. Not a great way to start a new electoral system, even for "Thainess."

I see the door to corruption, nepotism and fiefdoms is being thrown wide open.

Amazing Thailand, indeed. Unfortunately, there seems to be no hope for this country.

you mean "...is staying wide open."

Being thrown wide open implies it was partially closed....and I don't think it ever closed even a little bit.

I see the door to corruption, nepotism and fiefdoms is being thrown wide open.

Amazing Thailand, indeed. Unfortunately, there seems to be no hope for this country.

you mean "...is staying wide open."

Being thrown wide open implies it was partially closed....and I don't think it ever closed even a little bit.

Yes, IS. But I though the whole objective of this ongoing process was to actually CLOSE some of these doors.

Make the senate 100% directly elected and let anyone run.

The people can decide.