Meechai defends PM-list proposal

THE CHIEF constitution drafter yesterday defended the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC)’s proposal to have each political party prepare a list of prime ministerial candidates ahead of general elections.

CDC chairman Meechai Ruchupan also dismissed the claim that, with the proposed provision, the drafters aim to allow a non-MP to become prime minister in the future.

“This sounds like the CDC is able to nominate prime ministerial candidates. In reality, the CDC will not be able to do so. There will be a clause in the new constitution stating that political parties must decide on their PM candidates. This is to stop party leaders from making such decisions on their own,” Meechai said. 

On Wednesday, a CDC sub-panel suggested that political parties must each present the public with a list of one to five PM candidates, so voters have a clear idea about who will end up leading the country should the party win. 

However, politicians from the two largest parties – Pheu Thai and Democrat – questioned CDC’s real intentions behind the list. 

Meechai said yesterday he had learned that opponents to the idea of listing nominees to be prime minister opposed it for five key reasons. They were: the move was “eccentric”; it would allow “outsiders” to become PM; it went against people’s intentions; it would not connect with people; and would interfere with political parties’ rights. 

The CDC chairman said there was nothing “eccentric” about the proposal. “Voters will know beforehand who are the PM candidates of political parties contesting in the election,” he said.

Also, he added, if politicians do not want an “outsider” premier, then they should not nominate any as candidates. 

“The prime minister will be elected in Parliament by all 500 MPs. If they can’t make a decision, nobody can help them,” Meechai said. 

He also disagreed with the allegation that the proposed PM’s list went against people’s intentions. 

“I don’t see how it goes against the people, when it is the people who make their decision through their votes. 

“Also, this way, it connects with the people,” he added. 

The chief drafter said the CDC would not be able to force political parties to choose candidates they prefer, so he did not think the allegation of “intervention” was acceptable. 

He said there would be no requirement that PM candidates must be members of the nominating parties.

“The drafters agreed that we should allow political parties to make a decision on this matter. They may set party rules to deal with this issue,” Meechai added.