Democrats deal double blow to CDC draft

The Democrat party has declared its intention to oppose the draft charter as well as the additional question at the planned charter referendum this August.

(Article by PATSARA JIKKHAM & AEKARACH, republished from http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/928785/democrats-deal-double-blow-to-cdc-draft)

They warned a “yes” vote to the second question, which would pave the way for an appointed Senate to intervene in the selection of a prime minister, could escalate political conflicts.

The party’s stance follows a vote by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) last week to add a second referendum question, asking the public whether parliament should jointly approve a prime minister…

Citizens will be expected to vote on it at the Aug 7 referendum, along with a question on whether the charter draft prepared by the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) led by Meechai Ruchupan should…

If the extra question gets a majority “yes” vote, it will force the Meechai panel to revise the constitution draft which currently does not allow the upper House to choose the prime minister.

Addressing a media briefing, Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said the party rejects the second question on the basis the senators are handpicked by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

Read more at: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/928785/democrats-deal-double-blow-to-cdc-draft