New bill on referendum 'abuses' sails through

New bill on referendum 'abuses' sails through

The referendum bill was passed by parliament on Tuesday after a three-hour debate that saw an agreement to impose heavy punishments for "referendum abuses".

The bill sailed through with an overwhelming 618 votes in favour, four against and two abstentions.

One senator, however, raised the possibility that the bill may to be looked at by relevant independent agencies before being presented for royal endorsement.

Deliberation of the bill yesterday had picked up from where a joint sitting had left it on April 8 when a lack of a quorum brought an abrupt end to the session.

Issues deliberated yesterday focused on 16 sections, starting with Section 54, which mostly dealt with punishing referendum law violations. The majority in both chambers agreed with the contents of the bill which had been changed by the scrutiny committee.

The bill stipulates that those who damage or destroy a referendum ballot are liable to a jail term of up to one year, a maximum 20,000-baht fine, or both.

If the damage or destruction is committed by a referendum official, the jail term would be from 1-10 years, the fine between 20,000-200,000 baht, or both. The offender would also lose the right to run in an election for 10 years.

An individual who damages, destroys or tampers with referendum equipment with the intent to distort referendum information could face a jail term of up to five years, a maximum fine of 100,000 baht, or both.

For a referendum official committing the same offences, the jail term is between 1-10 years, a fine from 20,000 to 200,000 baht, or both.

Their right to contest an election would again be suspended for 10 years.

Also, anyone who spreads false information about referendum issues would be subject to a jail term of up to five years, a maximum fine of 100,000 baht, or both.

The bill also regards those who break the referendum law overseas as guilty as those who commit the violation with the kingdom.

Senator Chalermchai Krea-ngam, however, pointed out inconsistencies in the bill which could cause confusion and asked whether the legislation's legality would need to be examined by a relevant independent agency such as the Constitutional Court before it is presented for royal endorsement.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam dismissed the opposition Move Forward Party's suggestion that a referendum be held soon to decide whether a constitution drafting assembly should be formed.

This could lead to a whole new charter being drafted as opposed to a partial amendment.

Mr Wissanu said a plebiscite was impossible at present because the referendum bill has still to receive royal endorsement.

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