Charter must go to referendum
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Re: "Case of damned if we do, damned if we don't?", Nation Analysis, May 15.
A referendum is a must for the charter drafted by the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC). In addition to the five reasons mentioned in the analysis, it is important that it should be seen as a people’s charter.
Without a plebiscite, we will hear unending criticism of the constitution being undemocratic. Although critics may not necessarily see a vote for the constitution as an approval, in the current sceptical political environment it would be better than going without any public approval.
How should the questions be posed? Major issues such as provision for a non-elected prime minister, senators, House representatives could be highlighted for votes. Aside from the highlights, the issue is whether the draft is acceptable. If the answer is negative, another try should not hurt as waiting for real democracy since 1932 has been a way of life for us anyway. This may end up as a beginning in reconciling differences among all sectors of our community when one is able to express one’s “like” or “dislike”.
Songdej Praditsmanont
