POLITICS
Non-parliamentarians to help rewrite charter
ANUCHA CHAROENPO
The government's plan to amend the constitution was launched yesterday when the cabinet agreed in principle to rewrite Article 291 to clear the way for a drafting committee that could include non-parliamentarians.
The amendment proposed by Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat is aimed at defusing the growing political conflicts.
It will be formally proposed in parliament during the government's policy announcement next week, PM's Office Minister Sukhumpong Ngonkum said shortly after yesterday's cabinet meeting.
Mr Sukhumpong, also deputy secretary-general of the People Power party (PPP), said the prime minister had stressed democratic principles and the people's participation.
The cabinet has not set a timeframe for the drafting or specified a panel chairman.
Article 291 states that one-fifth of MPs or one-fifth of both MPs and senators, or 50,000 people, have the right to lodge a motion with the parliament for a committee to amend the constitution. But the committee members must be drawn from the two houses of parliament.
Amending the article will allow outsiders with or without political affiliations to become involved.
Culture Minister Worawat Ua-apinyakul and Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Somsak Prissananantakul said the amendment would help bring peace and unity as it would give different people a role in the process.
The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) was cautious about the move, saying it contained a hidden agenda.
PAD core member Chamlong Srimuang reserved his opinion as the group had to examine it in detail.
But PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila demanded amendments be made only after deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been brought to justice. Mr Thaksin, who is on trial for corruption, has fled to England.
"I don't think the new committee set up to amend the constitution will be independent of some coalition parties which are now facing dissolution cases," Mr Suriyasai said.
Executive members of the PPP, Chart Thai and Matchimathipataya parties were caught buying votes in the general election on Dec 23 last year.
Article 237 states a political party can be dissolved if its executives are found guilty of electoral fraud.
The proposed amendment of Article 291 follows a call from 24 rectors of state and private universities for an independent committee on political reform to deal with the political turmoil.
House Speaker Chai Chidchob and Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondej backed amendments to Article 291.
"People in the 76 provinces should be asked for their opinions about points to be amended and then parliament will screen what should be and what should not be," Mr Chai said.
Mr Prasopsuk said the amendment would open the way for everyone to take part. "This is likely to be acceptable to all sides. It is not about amending the constitution, but about how to amend it," he said.
Former charter writer Somkid Lertpaitoon said the proposed drafting committee was a very plausible option as it would limit the role of politicians.
The PAD and the government should keep their hands off the process.
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