Senate selection process unlikely to change
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The Constitution Drafting Committee will likely maintain the same system for electing senators, CDC spokesman Kamnoon Sidhisamarn said yesterday.
He said although some sectors wanted the charter writers to amend the draft to have all 200 senators come from an indirect election, it was unlikely the CDC would change the current mixed system of direct and indirect elections.
The CDC was only likely to review the composition of selection committees for senatorial candidates, he said.
“As long as it is not yet August 22, changes can be made, depending on what the CDC decides on the issue. In practice, a drastic change may not be possible because it would affect other [charter] articles,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, CDC member Jade Donavanik has voiced opposition to a proposal to have the Prayut administration stay in power another two years to reform the country before calling a general election.
Jade said the National Council for Peace and Order had taken control of the country since May 22 last year and started the reform process by laying the foundations for reform platforms.
“If the administration extends its term to reform, this could be translated to mean the reform was inefficient and could be illegitimate,” Jade said.
“The junta should transfer the power to other agencies like the National Reform Movement Council and the Strategic Reform and Reconciliation Committee to implement long term reform.’’
