PHUKET: The National Reform Council rejected the proposed new constitution for Thailand today. The vote was lost 134 to 105, with eight abstentions.
The new constitution, drafted by the military government, was backed by Suthep Thaugsuban, leader of the 2013-14 anti-government protests, but opposed by the Democrat Party.
A new electoral system, loosely modelled on Germany's, would have introduced a mixed member proportional allocation of seats.
The junta-picked drafters had hoped the charter would move the country past almost a decade of political conflicts, but it was met with strong opposition on almost all sides of political divide, reported The Associated Press.
One of the most contentious provisions included a 23-member panel, with military members, that would be empowered to take over from the parliament and prime minister in times of ''national crisis.''
Rejection of the charter means Thailand faces a back-to-the-drawing board situation, which could extend the rule of the interim military government.
The new constitution, drafted by the military government, was backed by Suthep Thaugsuban, leader of the 2013-14 anti-government protests, but opposed by the Democrat Party.
A new electoral system, loosely modelled on Germany's, would have introduced a mixed member proportional allocation of seats.
The junta-picked drafters had hoped the charter would move the country past almost a decade of political conflicts, but it was met with strong opposition on almost all sides of political divide, reported The Associated Press.
One of the most contentious provisions included a 23-member panel, with military members, that would be empowered to take over from the parliament and prime minister in times of ''national crisis.''
Rejection of the charter means Thailand faces a back-to-the-drawing board situation, which could extend the rule of the interim military government.
Best news so far. The proposal would have de facto legalized military intervention at will.
Despite the Junta's best efforts to silence dissent, I'm elated to see Thai people are not ready to give up on basic human rights.
The military should hand over the country back to a civilian government asap.
Posted by Herbert on September 6, 2015 11:51