Parties urge NCPO to ease prohibition on political meetings

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday that the junta should relax this ban on meetings, as it hinders political parties. He added that his party had no intention to stir disorder or do anything that could affect national security.
He went on to say that party members needed to meet to exchange views, and though he understands NCPO’s concerns about security and disorder, he said it could allow parties to meet but take measures to forbid any questionable activities.
Abhisit added that he was ready to meet the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) on November 24 and offer his views on what the new charter should look like. The Democrat leader added that he believes the root cause of this country’s political crisis lies in the abuse of power, which is linked to vote buying, corruption and media interference – all factors that have contributed to protests and failure of the political system.
The CDC has invited political parties and political groups to meet them between November 17 and 25 in order to express their views on what they wish to see in the new charter.
On the other side of the divide, Pheu Thai Party deputy leader Suraphong Tovichakchaikul also urged the NCPO to relax its prohibition on political meetings.
CDC spokesperson Pakorn Priyakorn said it would be beneficial if political parties and political groups could offer their views on the charter. He also insisted yesterday that there was no “blue print” for the new charter as been reported by some members of media, adding that charter drafters really wanted input from different groups.
“I insist that the CDC is sincere. If we were not sincere, then we would not have invited political parties or political groups to participate. I want all sides to consider the country,” he said.