Bangkok: Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, expressed his hope that both the government and senators would accept the principles of the draft constitutional amendments from all parties during the first reading. He emphasized the importance of not relying solely on a majority vote, despite differences in the methods of establishing the Constitutional Drafting Committee (CDC) compared to the Bhumjaithai Party’s approach.
According to Thai News Agency, Abhisit commented on the constitutional amendment bills scheduled for consideration by Parliament on July 7-8. He observed that while the drafts vary, particularly in how the CDC is formed, the government is proceeding with its majority to push them through. He believes that all drafts should be accepted in principle during the first reading, with further evaluation to follow in the committee stage. Abhisit noted that most drafts, excluding those from the Bhumjaithai Party, do not support the direct election of CDC members by the public. Although the Constitutional Court does not permit direct elections, the Democrat Party suggests a system where citizens can participate in a poll via telephone or electronic means, acknowledging the potential cost implications. Following the public poll, CDC members would be chosen by parliamentarians, with three representatives from each province, eventually narrowing down to 80 members. He stressed that no substantial changes are anticipated i
n the first reading and expressed hope that the Senate, aligned with the government, would accept the principles of all drafts.