The Constitution Drafting Committee on Wednesday accepted the mixed-member proportional (MMP) System for electing members of parliament, which involves a combination of constituency and party-list representatives.
The proposal - promoted by Parinya Thewanarumitkul, Thammasat University’s vice-rector for student affairs - calls for 250 constituency representatives to be elected in single-seat constituencies, at a ratio of about 250,000 people to every MP. Each constituency would be larger than present, CDC spokesman Lertrat Rattanawanich said.
Another 200 party-list MPs would be elected from eight regions across Thailand. The number was calculated on population proportions. Each eligible voter would vote on two ballots, one for a constituency candidate and another for a party candidate.
Party votes would be used to decide the number of MPs for each party by proportion in the next election.
The CDC reached a formal resolution on the new method of electing MPs after it invited Mr Parinya to provide further explanations for his proposed idea, reportedly adopted from the German electoral system.
The panel also agreed to allow independent MPs to compete in the election. The new system is intended to ensure every vote has a significant meaning and will allow members of smaller parties to compete for more seats in the House of Representatives.
The CDC has yet to finalise the method of electing senators.