Constitution Drafting Committee chairman Meechai Ruchupan has given assurances the draft constitution puts in place measures to prevent an appointed Senate from abusing its power and dominating parliament.
The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) voted on April 7 to add a question relating to an appointed Senate to the referendum scheduled for Aug 7. The question was proposed by the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA).
Voters will be asked whether an appointed Senate should be allowed to join the House of Representatives in voting to select a prime minister during the post-election transition period.
An appointed Senate has been criticised as a way for the military regime to dominate elected MPs and maintain its grip on power during the five-year post-election transition period.
Mr Meechai allayed concerns an appointed Senate could be aligned with a ruling party to hold an absolute majority in parliament, which would subsequently weaken the opposition and the checks-and-balances system.
He said it is normal and necessary for every government to hold a House majority to maintain its stability.
However, he said the draft charter still gives the opposition a role in providing advice or recommendations for the government to deal with the country's problems or crises. The government, the appointed Senate and the opposition must hold a joint meeting to discuss a solution.
Moreover, the draft charter also stipulates that when it comes to amending the constitution, the support of government and opposition MPs, as well as that of the appointed senators, is required for any change to the charter.
These mechanisms were devised to prevent the abuse of power and domination by the appointed Senate and the government, Mr Meechai said.
He also said while the CDC is responsible for educating the public about the draft constitution, the duty to explain the extra question lies with the NLA and the NRSA.
When the CDC launches its campaign to publicise the draft, representatives of the NLA and the NRSA will also be present to give information relating to the extra question, Mr Meechai said. Dates for the campaign have not yet been determined.
Mr Meechai also said if the draft charter and the additional question pass the referendum, the CDC will have to revise the new constitution as stipulated by the interim charter.
He said the CDC will then submit the revised charter to the Constitutional Court to ensure the change stays in line with voters' intentions.