Bangkok: The Constitutional Amendment Committee has resolved the origins of the committee responsible for drafting the new constitution. This decision, approved by the Election Commission, involves a 100-member body that has submitted their applications, vision, and ideology for public scrutiny prior to Parliament's selection process. The committee plans to employ a "20-person, 1-person" formula to ensure a balanced vote. Additionally, a proposal by Ekporn aims to permanently ban members of the Constitutional Drafting Committee from political involvement.
According to Thai News Agency, Senator Naraset Prachayakar, the spokesperson for the Parliamentary Committee on the Draft Constitutional Amendment, provided updates on the draft amendment's progress. The committee has sanctioned the formation of a 35-member Constitutional Drafting Committee, selected through public nominations managed by the Election Commission. Applicants must secure at least 100 public endorsements and submit a concise document detailing their vision and ideology. This information will be accessible to the public for review before being submitted to Parliament for selection.
Mr. Naraset elaborated on the parliamentary selection process, explaining the "20 picks one" formula: groups of 20 parliamentarians will nominate one member for the committee. If the 35-member committee cannot be fully formed, 10 members will propose a candidate list, double the number of ineligible members. Parliament will then conduct a vote requiring a two-thirds majority. The committee requires Parliament to finalize the selection within 60 days, although if at least 90% of the members, or 33, are elected, they may commence their duties.
In addressing concerns about potential political party dominance in the committee, Ms. Panida Mongkolsawat, a member of the Prachachon Party and spokesperson for the committee, emphasized the transparent and proportional nature of the selection process. She assured that it reflects the people's voice, as MP candidates will be visibly aligned with public interests during elections.
Ms. Panida also discussed the implications of the independent formation of 20-member groups, asserting that it accurately represents the people's voice. She acknowledged potential criticisms regarding political influence but stressed that the selection process, bound by the Constitutional Court's ruling, must remain within Parliament. The Bhumjaithai Party's amendment proposal, relying on a majority vote, will define the drafting committee's composition. However, the "20-to-1" formula allows MPs and Senators to align with ideologically compatible colleagues.
Mr. Naraset reassured that the Constitutional Drafting Committee's composition would remain diverse and representative of public ideologies. He highlighted the importance of political parties communicating their strategies during campaigns, ensuring public engagement in the selection of drafters. Joint discussions between the Constitution Amendment Committees will aim to secure parliamentary support for subsequent readings.
Meanwhile, Ekporn Raksuksuk, spokesperson for the committee, addressed a proposal by Mr. Panus Wacharasindhu to impose a three-year political office ban on constitutional drafters, suggesting an alternative of lifelong political abstention to ensure impartiality. He affirmed the committee's unanimous effort and lack of partisan conflicts.