Top of the agenda.
A spokesperson for the Pheu Thai Party says it will use its first cabinet meeting (if and when the new government is formed) to decide the issue of a public referendum on the current constitution. Treechada Srithada says her party has previously promised voters that such a referendum will be held and that it plans to keep its word.
“Pheu Thai issued statements on August 2 and 6 saying the first Cabinet meeting of a Pheu Thai-led coalition will resolve to hold a referendum on setting up a CDA (charter drafting assembly). The party will keep its word and will not buy time because we realise that voters who want democracy are waiting for it.”
She points out that in the past, Pheu Thai joined forces with the Move Forward Party in an attempt to amend the constitution, but their attempt was blocked by the all-powerful Senate. She adds that the current constitution has been in place since April 2017 and its time is up (the current constitution, for example, includes the junta-appointed Senators in a vote for a new PM if no party reaches a full majority on its own).
The Constitutional Court has ruled that in order for a new charter to be written, two referendums must be held. The first before the charter drafting assembly is established and the second after the draft constitution is finalised. If the draft charter passes the second referendum it will be ready to be enacted by royal command.
Treechada says that if the majority of people support the creation of a CDA, her party will liaise with all sides to amend Article 256 of the constitution. Doing this paves the way for a new charter to be written.
“Pheu Thai will not disappoint the public. We affirm our intention to rewrite the charter to transform Thailand into a better democracy and to get rid of the junta’s legacy. The perpetuation of their power must be ended. So, we would like to invite you all to write a new chapter in Thai history (by voting in the referendum).”
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
