Political parties are gearing up to comply with the junta’s new order easing the ban on their activities, with most planning general assemblies over the next two weeks.
At Pheu Thai, acting secretary-general Phumtham Vechayachai, said the party was still deciphering the NCPO No.13/2561 order announced on Friday.
“A major issue is the composition of general assemblies. The order set a quorum at not less than 250 party executives and members. Since all branches were dissolved by a previous order, we have to figure out fair representation of all members,” he said.
In any case, the party planned to hold a meeting on Sept 20 to elect new executives.
He slammed the NCPO for not lifting the ban altogether, saying it had no intention to put everything on the table. “The excuse of security and order now rings hallow...I don’t know what it fears. The ban lift is long overdue. Parties need to communicate with people before the election begins,” he said.
Democrat deputy leader Ongart Klampaiboon said on Saturday a general assembly would be held on Sept 24. But before that, party executives will meet on Monday to set rules on screening new party chief candidates and to amend regulations on electing a new party leader in line with new laws.
On a primary vote, he said the party already had a process similar to a primary vote so it shouldn’t be a problem for it.
Similarly, executives of Bhumjaithai party, the third in rank in the last successful election seven years ago, will meet on Sept 24 after its legal team meets on Monday. A general assembly is likely in early October.
In Nakhon Ratchasima, Chartpattana party chief Wannarat Charnukul said on Saturday a general meeting would be held in the northeastern province as soon as possible.
“Since the NCPO order requires a party to seek permission from the Election Commission and the NCPO five days in advance, the soonest it can be held is late this month or early next month,” he said.
At the meeting, party regulations would be amended, a new manifesto declared in line with new laws and new party executives elected, he added.
He also dismissed rumours the party would merge with the Pracharat party or Sammitr group, which has yet to register as a party. Both are known as supporters of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha as the next prime minister.
“We won’t merge with anyone. I insist there will be Chartpattana for people to choose in the upcoming election. We don’t know about others but all our former MPs are still with us.”
He said of its 18,000 members, more than 5,000 have confirmed memberships.
While large and mid-sized parties are thinking about general assemblies, Pracharat, a group yet to register as a party but known for its full support for Gen Prayut, has more steps to take during the weeks ahead.
Chuan Chuchan, who applied to set up the Pracharat party, said he would move up a meeting set for Sept 29 at Impact Muang Thong Thani.
This is because the Election Commission had warned a political group must register as a party before Sept 27 or its candidates may not qualify to run since they have been members for less than 90 days.
He neither confirmed nor denied rumours that Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana and Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong would join the party, saying it was up to them to choose whether to be cabinet ministers or party members although the laws allow them to be both the same time.