Drafters concerned about EC request to become a govt office
THE Constitution Drafting Commission wants to meet with state agencies to discuss the Election Commission’s proposal to change its status from an independent agency to a government office – amid concern that such a change might cause it to lose its independence.
Chief drafter Meechai Ruchupan said the EC wanted to ensure that its staff enjoy social security benefits that government officials currently enjoy – but the CDC feared that changing from an independent agency to a government office would compromise its independence, as it could fall under the influence of political office-holders.
So, the CDC wished to consult all concerned agencies first before moving ahead with the new EC bill it is working on.
The drafters resolved Friday to establish a new election ombudsman to replace provincial EC offices to oversee general election arrangements by EC staff. However, the ombudsman would not be authorised to kick-start any investigations into electoral fraud, as there will be another team responsible for this, along with election intelligence agents in areas appointed by the EC.
