On an intriguing Tuesday, Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul categorically denied any allegations that his party had orchestrated the Senate’s decision to retain the double majority rule necessary to pass a referendum on a new constitution. “We had nothing to do with it,” Mr. Anutin asserted, responding to Senator Nantana Nantavaropas’s observation suggesting possible manipulation of the vote.
In his multifaceted role as Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anutin stressed the importance of consensus within the coalition parties if the government genuinely aims to push forward with a new charter. PM’s Office Minister Chousak Sirinil added that a joint committee is on the horizon, destined to iron out disagreements between the Lower and Upper Houses regarding the referendum’s majority requirement.
The political arena buzzed with discussions, and Mr. Chousak noted that Pheu Thai would engage with coalition leaders to deliberate on the new charter. Certain coalition factions suggested amending Section 256 of the constitution, potentially streamlining the formation of a charter-writing body tasked with drafting a fresh version. Should this new charter secure parliamentary approval, Mr. Chousak was optimistic that it could swiftly head to a referendum.
Meanwhile, Pheu Thai list-MP and chief government whip, Wisut Chainarun, was poised to gather coalition party leaders for an important meeting on the future of the constitution. Mr. Chousak expressed confidence that the new constitution could be crafted and enacted within the government’s remaining three-year term, hinting at the formation of a working panel dedicated to the charter-rewrite endeavor.
Monday witnessed the Upper House voting 164-21, with nine abstentions, in favor of keeping the double majority requirement intact. This current Senate, heavily populated with senators perceived to have ties to Bhumjaithai, mirrored the party’s strategic prowess. Bhumjaithai’s command of the complex voting system devised by the Election Commission resulted in 14 senators hailing from the party’s stronghold in Buri Ram, with many more representing provinces where Bhumjaithai holds considerable sway in the Lower House.
Often referred to as the “blue” bloc due to its association with Bhumjaithai, this faction dominates the new Upper House with at least 150 of the 200 senators. The double majority rule specifies two crucial conditions for validating a referendum result: firstly, over half of eligible voters must participate, and secondly, the majority of those voting must favor the proposed change.
As the political tides shift and strategies evolve, the path to a new constitution remains a complex and riveting narrative, destined to capture the nation’s attention.
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