Pheu Thai allies may dominate CDA, critics warn
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Critics expressed concern yesterday that people close to those in power would dominate the Constitution drafting assembly (CDA).
They said that strong local support and a majority in the House of Representatives would allow the government to influence the naming of the drafters.
An amendment draft from the ruling Pheu Thai Party calls for a change to the Constitution’s Article 291, which will allow the establishment of a 99-member Constitution drafting assembly consisting of 77 elected members from every province and 22 experts in law and political science.
Communication academic Seri Wongmontha said he believed that most CDA members – about 70 of the 99 – would be people close to politicians and would win provincial seats.
“Judging from the areas where Pheu Thai won the most votes in the last election, it is believed that [CDA candidates backed by] the party will dominate the North and Northeast, as well as some provinces in the Central region,” Seri said.
He added that of the 22 experts in the CDA to be selected by Parliament, up to 15 would be Pheu Thai people, while the remaining seven would be neutral.
Seri said drafting amendments would be like “signing a blank cheque”, as no particular clauses were determined for amendment and the CDA would have free rein in making changes.
Chief opposition whip Jurin Laksanavisit, from the opposition Democrat Party, said yesterday that the opposition whips were concerned the CDA would mostly consist of people close to coalition parties. He also said that with the government dominating the House, he expected its influence to dictate selection of the 22 experts in the CDA.
Pheu Thai MP Chavalit Vichayasut, as a member of the House subcommittee for national reconciliation, yesterday allayed concerns that the ruling party would try to rig the election and selection of charter writers.
He said it would be impossible for Pheu Thai to do so despite its majority in the House.
“It’s pure speculation,” he said, adding that the allegation was tantamount to looking down on the voters.
