Bangkok: The Democrat Party has submitted two proposals to amend the Constitution, focusing on establishing a 100-member Constitutional Drafting Committee through electronic voting while retaining Chapters 1 and 2.
According to Thai News Agency, the Democrat Party's move follows a referendum on February 8th, indicating public demand for a new constitution. Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, a Democrat Party Member of Parliament, emphasized the necessity of amending Article 256, or introducing Article 256/1, to facilitate the creation of a Constitutional Drafting Assembly (CDA).
Due to the requirement that constitutional amendments garner support from at least 100 House members, the Democrat Party collaborated with other parties sharing similar views to gather the necessary signatures. This effort culminated in the submission of two draft amendments to the Constitution.
The first draft insists on maintaining the integrity of Chapters 1 and 2, suggesting these be addressed separately if amendments are required. It proposes a 100-member CDC, selected through an electronic voting system, reducing election costs. Citizens would vote via mobile phones, with government-provided polling stations for those without devices. Provincial representatives would be chosen through a primary election, with Parliament selecting the final 80 members from these candidates using a limited voting system to ensure diversity.
The remaining 20 CDC members would be experts from various fields, including law and political science, with selection processes designed by the Council of University Presidents. The CDC would be tasked with drafting the constitution within 240 days, incorporating public consultation and committee formation, and requiring a 3/5 parliamentary approval before a public referendum.
The second draft amendment proposes simplifying future amendments by requiring only a 3/5 parliamentary majority, removing the need for specific votes from senators or opposition parties. This aligns with the Democrat Party's stance on the 2017 Constitution, aiming to respect minority voices, adhere to court rulings, and achieve national savings.