PM to push for appointed Senate plan

PM to push for appointed Senate plan

The disagreement between the Constitution Drafting Committee and the military got dramatic Tuesday when NCPO head Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha vowed to force the CDC to include an un-elected senate. (File photos)
The disagreement between the Constitution Drafting Committee and the military got dramatic Tuesday when NCPO head Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha vowed to force the CDC to include an un-elected senate. (File photos)

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has insisted he will push for the controversial charter proposal involving an appointed Senate during the transitional post-election period until the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) includes it in the draft constitution.

Meanwhile, the cabinet on Tuesday approved a draft bill on holding a referendum on the draft charter, expected on Aug 7 this year. 

Gen Prayut said he did not intend to put pressure on the charter drafters to accept the charter proposal.

"There is no pressure. The CDC will likely accept it. But If the CDC rejects it, I'll keep sending the proposal until the CDC recognises it. The proposal is for the good of the country," the prime minister said.

The proposal is the outcome of a March 7 meeting of representatives of key organisations among the so-called "five rivers" of power: the cabinet, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), and the National Reform Steering Assembly. The CDC representatives did not join the meeting.

Earlier, the cabinet forwarded 16 charter proposals which include a call for special measures to be included in a provisional charter clause to ensure a smooth transition of power after the next election. Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon then came up with a proposal seeking a fully appointed Senate to oversee the implementation of national reforms and national strategy over a five-year transitional period.

The appointed Senate is seen by critics as a way for the NCPO to exert control over an elected government after it was reported some council and NLA members would be offered seats in the Senate. 

After Tuesday's cabinet meeting, Gen Prayut stressed the need for an appointed Senate to counterbalance elected MPs, and said that he did not intend for the appointed Senate to have power over other political-office holders.

The prime minister insisted the appointed Senate would not pave the way for the military regime to hold on to power. Gen Prayut brushed aside the concern that the appointed Senate proposal may put the overall draft charter at risk of being rejected in the referendum.

"If it is not good, I'll have a new one drawn up. I have the power. I'll make the country safe," Gen Prayut said.

Responding to Gen Prayut, CDC chairman Meechai Ruchupan said the CDC maintains its independence and is not subject to pressure from anyone.

He said there is no need to send the charter proposal to the CDC several times as the charter drafters will judge the proposal on its own merits. The CDC will consider what is in the country's best interests, Mr Meechai said.

The battle over the senate just got personal. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha wants the draft constitution to provide for an un-elected upper house. Constitution Drafting Committee chairman Meechai Ruchupan has said he disagrees.

Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the cabinet has approved the draft referendum bill submitted by the Election Commission (EC). The bill will then be sent to the NLA. 

Maj Gen Sansern added the referendum is expected to be held on Aug 7, instead of the earlier schedule for July 31.

The bill authorises the EC to hold forums for the public to express their opinions on the draft charter. Other agencies that hold such forums would risk violating the law. The bill also bans opinion polls from being conducted or released during the seven days before the referendum.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (11)