Leading members of political parties and civil society are intensifying calls for open talks on the draft constitution, strongly urging the regime to come up with alternatives if the charter is rejected at the Aug 7 referendum.
In their five-point joint statement, the civil society group, which comprises 117 individuals and 16 organisations, stressed the need for all stakeholders to be allowed to debate the contents of the charter with comprehensive and thorough information and for them to have a safe public space to do so.
They also demanded to know if there are any alternatives to the draft if it does not pass the referendum and strongly urged having an inclusive drafting process in which all stakeholders have a say about the process and core principles of any new charter.
- Earlier report: Network calls for fair referendum
- Editorial: Draft charter needs debate
This is to facilitate a transition to democratic rule as specified in the road map and the interim constitution. According to the group, if these calls are met, all sides should respect the outcome of the referendum and ensure peace and stability in society.
They also pointed out that the constitution must safeguard human rights and civil liberties, allow for checks-and-balance mechanisms, and address reforms and the decentralisation of power. The charter must also embrace measures to prevent corruption and address conflicts while allowing for flexibility in seeking amendments to the constitution.
The statement, read out yesterday at a press conference by Sunee Chaiyaros, was signed by nine members of the Democrat Party including Abhisit Vejjajiva and Sathit Pitutecha, and 18 members of the Pheu Thai Party including Somchai Wongsawat, Pokin Polakul, Phumtham Wechayachai and Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan.
Social activists and academics range from political scientists to human rights advocates to environmentalists. The 16 organisations include FTA Watch, WeMove, and the Committee of the Relatives of the May 1992 Heroes.
Gothom Arya, a peace academic, suggested yesterday that if the draft charter is rejected at the referendum, an interim charter should be adopted for two years to pave the way for a general election.
He said a new charter drafting process that is open and inclusive should proceed during this two-year period.
Anusorn Thamjai, of the Pridi Banomyong Foundation, yesterday said he preferred that the referendum be postponed until democracy is restored out of concern that it could lead to violent conflicts.
"But if it is not postponed, it must be ensured that the atmosphere will be conducive," he said.
Bantoon Sethasiroj, director of the Good Governance for Social Development and the Environment Institute, said politicians were asked to weigh in on this and those who signed the statement.
Mr Sathit, a Democrat deputy leader who also signed the statement, said the move is to encourage the regime to change its attitude and to make the Aug 7 referendum inclusive.
He said the public has little information on the draft charter and they may opt out of the process or may make a decision based on their political affiliations instead of the charter's contents.
"I can tell you 70% of the voters have no clue about the charter and they may end up voting 'yes' or 'no' based on politicians or the political parties they like," he said.
Mr Sathit said there is still time for the government to make the Aug 7 referendum an open and inclusive process.
While welcoming the Election Commission's (EC) plan to hold public debates on the draft constitution, he said the EC should also invite social thinkers such as Prawase Wasi to take part.
He played down criticism about some Democrat politicians sharing the same views as Pheu Thai counterparts or red-shirt activists over several charter issues.
Nipit Intarasombat, another Democrat deputy leader, said Mr Abhisit is expected to declare his stance on the charter about 10 days prior to voting day. He expressed confidence that Mr Abhisit's standpoint will not cause divisions among party members who are divided over the charter.
The Democrat leader has already taken a stance against the second question being asked at the referendum. While he has been critical of the draft charter, he has yet to say how he will vote.
Mr Pokin from Pheu Thai, who signed the statement, said yesterday that he did not expect much from the regime, but it was the right thing to do.
He said if the charter does not pass the referendum, the regime should bring in all stakeholders and let them have their say on a new constitution. "Let them send their representatives. The government shouldn't monopolise it. If the process is open, we'll have a different charter from the Meechai draft," he said.