NLA takes cautious approach over independent agencies
THE NATIONAL Legislative Assembly (NLA) would be cautious when dealing with the issue of restructuring independent agencies via new organic laws, its vice president Surachai Liengboonlertchai said.
Surachai said the NLA needs to consider other issues, such as the rights of existing independent agencies’ members as well as the time required to restructure the said organisation.
The issue emerged after the Election Commission (EC) began drafting a third organic law concerning its operation last week, and Election Commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn said that if the Constitution Drafting Commission was planning to restructure the EC, then it must do the same to other independent organisations. The CDC chief responded by saying that the commission has yet to address the issue and would listen to all parties concerned at its September 28 meeting first.
Surachai said the NLA’s representatives would also participate in the discussion, as the NLA would have to deliberate the organic laws and it would be useful for the legislators to listen to different opinions.
Other concerned organisations, including the EC, have said that they are ready to join the CDC next week to discuss the organic laws, primarily on political parties and the election of members of the House of Representatives.
Somchai said they could explain the draft and other related documents submitted earlier to the CDC.
Meanwhile, EC president Supachai Somcharoen and member Prawich Rattanapian will meet with the drafters the following day to discuss organic laws for the agency, Somchai said. News has been circulating that authorities have suggested that EC offices in the provinces be disbanded.
Somchai said the EC would explain the necessity of having provincial branches at next week’s discussion. Separately, Democrat Party deputy leader Ongart Klampaiboon said the party was willing to send representatives if requested but had not so far received any invitations from the CDC.
