Reset of independent organisations debated

THE National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has not yet discussed resetting independent organisations following the advice of the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA), but may write in a provision if needed, NLA member Taweesak Sukawatin said yesterday. 
Following the writing of 10 organic laws, some political figures, including members of the NRSA, have strongly recommended that the current independent organisations, such as the Election Commission (EC), be reset by replacing the members.
The reasons cited included the fact that the constitution passed in the August referendum lays out different qualifications as well as terms for the members of commissions or boards. 
Some figures said they were afraid that the current organisations would not be qualified and the conflicting tenures would cause confusion.
However, EC member Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said an abrupt change would affect the organisation of the general election next year.
Sodsri Sattayatham, a former EC member, said yesterday the reset should not disrupt the work of the organisations because that was carried out by permanent state officials who could continue what they were doing despite the change in the members of the commission or board. 
The independent organisations should be reset because different qualifications were seen in the constitution, she said.
The EC should quickly identify new secretaries so that when the organisation is reset, the office could continue working, she added.
Taweesak, also vice chairman of the committee tasked with gathering recommendations on the constitution, said there had not been any discussion regarding the reset in the NLA’s meeting.
The legislators will hold a seminar on November 14 to discuss the organic laws, which will include the independent organisation issue.
According to the constitution passed in the referendum on August, 10 organic laws must be written to support the charter. 
Four are laws essential for organising an election next year and the six others are about the independent organisations.
The Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) and independent organisations were invited to explain their rationale behind the organic laws they had written, Taweesak said. 
The CDC would give the overall picture while each independent organisation would clarify the details of each bill, he added.
EC staff member Jarungwit Phumma, meanwhile, said the EC was preparing to stage an election following the government’s plan. 
However, it was waiting for the organic laws to be completed to see whether there would be any changes before proceeding, he said.
The CDC and the EC had seen eye to eye on most matters, he said.