Democrats concerned about neutrality of CDA
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Opposition whip Narit Khumnurak on Thursday voiced concern about the coalition's dominance in forming the Constitution Drafting Assembly, seen as key to the outcome of the charter rewrite.
“I don't completely trust the government because certain elements might try to dominate the CDA formation,” he said.
Narit said even though the coalition pledged to have charter writers elected from 77 provinces, he was still concerned that the CDA elections could be rigged to ensure a pro-government outcome.
He reminded the government to push for charter amendments designed to serve the public.
He said an ulterior motive to amend the charter to rescue one man, fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, would end up fuelling political volatility.
Pheu Thai MP Phiraphan Phalusuk said the main coalition party would move ahead in sponsoring a motion to amend Article 291 of the Constitution, paving way for the CDA formation to take charge of the rewriting process.
Article 291 prescribes Parliament to take charge of charter amendments. The provision must be amended in order to waive and transfer the sole mandate of Parliament to the CDA.
Phiraphun said he expected the CDA to be formed within the current House session. The CDA would be based on the one formed to draft the 1997 charter.
The CDA, to be known as CDA 3, will comprise elected writers from all 77 provinces and appointed professionals and legal experts, he said.
The first CDA was formed to take charge of the 1997 charter. The second CDA was formed for the 2007 Constitution.
The main coalition party resolved on Tuesday to activate the charter rewrite but allowed the government to have a final say on the timing.
