Elected senators will have to be more accountable: EC members
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Election Commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn suggested yesterday that all senators should be directly elected, as this would make them more transparent and accountable to voters.
Somchai was speaking in response to the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC)’s ongoing review of the proportion and origin of senators.
He said that though selected senators in the past were more efficient than elected ones, the selection process often raised questions that undermined their credibility.
Besides, he said, elected senators would be more accountable to voters, as they would generally reveal their political stance. Hence, he said, getting all senators elected would be a better option.
“Don’t be worried about their political partiality, because in reality it exists to some extent. So, we should let them reveal their stance so people can make an informed decision,” Somchai said, adding that their performance will be based more on requirements set for them, not on their origin.
On Monday, the CDC discussed issues related to the composition of the Senate.
According to the last draft charter, which has been discarded, some senators could be selected.
This time though, the CDC said, senators should be connected to people, which would also allow them to play a role in the impeachment of politicians. If they were selected senators, then their decision on impeachment might not be accepted by the people as has happened in the past.
However, the CDC has not made a final decision on the issue.
The CDC also discussed measures on dealing with electoral fraud and considered allowing the Election Commission to retain the power of giving a red card to those who commit fraud. However, some CDC members suggested that if this red card affects politicians’ political rights, then the case should go to court.
The CDC has not finalised any of the issues.
