PM pitches referendum on Suthep's demands

PM pitches referendum on Suthep's demands

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has proposed a referendum on anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban's demand for a "people's council" and "people's government" if the political deadlock is not broken.

In a televised broadcast yesterday, Ms Yingluck proposed a forum to discuss the demands for political reform.

She said the forum, or some kind of discussion, was needed to think protesters' demands through.

Mr Yingluck said if the discussion failed to reach a solution, the government would propose a referendum to settle the dispute.

She added the discussion should tackle ways to make elections free, fair and acceptable for political parties, the protesters and different groups in society.

Mr Suthep demanded the government transfer administration of the country to his so-called "people's council", and that a "people's government" be installed in a caretaker capacity if Ms Yingluck dissolves the House and resigns as prime minister.

He said the council would amend the charter for the benefit of the country and the people.

Mr Suthep added that a referendum should be held to decide on the amendment.

Ms Yingluck, however, maintained the constitution does not accommodate the creation of the council or an invocation of Section 7 of the charter for the purpose of installing an appointed prime minister.

She reiterated she was ready to dissolve parliament if it was the desire of the majority.

If there was to be such a dissolution, a general election must be organised within 60 days, as legally required, she said.

The prime minister, however, acknowledged that if the protesters choose not to recognise the result of a new election, the conflict would only become protracted.

"I don't cling to positions and am willing to dissolve the House or quit as prime minister if this is really a way out of the crisis," she said.

"But there must be assurances that any suggestion [to break the impasse] comes from the majority of people and the new election must be held within 60 days, as required by law."

Mr Suthep last night lashed out at Ms Yingluck for her offers to resign or to dissolve the House on such conditions.

He said Ms Yingluck has lost her dignity because she had allowed her brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, to pull the strings in her government's administration.

"If she is for real, she can dissolve the House tonight and resign tomorrow," he said.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said while dissolving the House is one way to return the mandate to the people, the government should give assurances that national reforms would follow.

"If the prime minister decides to dissolve the House, I will be happy because it is better than doing nothing," he said.

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