Bangkok, "Prit" emphasizes that the new constitution should be drafted by all elected MPs. Confirm that the electoral system can be designed to have representatives from experts - experienced people - diverse groups. with everyone still 100% from the election
December 23, 2023, Parit Watcharasindhu, spokesperson for the Move Forward Party Commenting on the case of Nikorn Chamnong, as chairman of the government's sub-committee listening to opinions, stated that there is a proposal to have a Constitutional Drafting Assembly (MPs) totaling 100 people, divided into 77 people from the election (1 for each province). people) and 23 people selected by Parliament From a group of experts experienced person Diversity group This will make it an MP that is not entirely elected.
Prit said He and the Progressive Party have always confirmed this. that the new constitution should be drafted by an entirely elected National Legislative Assembly Because it will make the process have the most democratic legitimacy. Including being the most open to diverse opinions and participation of all groups of people.
We can agree on whether all MPs should be elected or not. But he thinks that he must set a clear principle. that we do not need to choose between "having MPs who are all elected" and "having MPs with space for experts - people with experience - diverse groups" because we Can have both. (if we want) through the design of the electoral system
Even though we agree to move forward with the assumption that we must "guarantee" space for experts, experienced people, and diverse groups in the S.R. (despite the fact that this assumption still has people with different opinions, For example, some people view that experts and experienced people do not need to be in the MP, but must be in the drafting committee. Some people think that such groups should run for election through the same process as ordinary people.) We can achieve this goal. Maintaining the principle that all MPs come from the election.
An important framework that will help unlock the possibility is to look at the view that the S.R. does not have to have a single type of S.R., but may consist of a S.R. divided into several. The type that comes from the election (similar to the MPs which are currently divided into 2 types, that is, the MPs using a constituency type and the MPs using a party list basis)
One option is to divide the S.R. into 3 types: Type A = S.R., area representative type, Type B. = S.R., expert-experienced representative type ( such as legal academics political science academic Social science academic People with experience in politics in the system people with experience in public politics) and Category C = MPs representing diverse groups (such as youth, ethnic groups Group of people with diverse genders disabled group)
The three types of MPs are all drawn from direct elections. By using the method of giving each citizen the right to vote. There are 3 ballots in total:
Election card A. = Select an MP representing the area. The province may be used as an election district.
Voting card B. = Select a member of the House of Representatives of the House of Representatives, expert-experienced representative. It is open to experts and experienced people who are interested in becoming an MP and have passed the specified qualifications to apply in order to compile a list of candidates who are experts and experienced people. And open for people to choose through the polling booth whether they want an expert - someone with experience to represent them as an MP, Type B.
Voting card C. = Select a member of the House of Representatives representing a diverse group. It is open to people who are interested in becoming MPs and representatives of diverse groups. Apply by specifying in the application and campaign process which diversity group or dimension you represent. (various categories will be specified specific or not) to compile a list of candidates representing diverse groups. and allow people to choose through the polling booth which candidate they want to represent various diverse groups as an MP, type C.
This kind of election system It is just a system or a method that will allow us to have an MP with representatives of experts - people with experience - and a diverse group, where every MP is still 100% elected. In addition, there are other things. Many systems or methods are possible to serve the same purpose. which the sub-committee under the Political Development Commission House of Representatives which he is president (which had invited Mr. Nikorn and representatives The government education committee came to the previous meeting) studied and prepared proposals. and is currently compiling a report to forward to the House of Representatives - Cabinet - the people Official consideration in early January.
A spokesman for the Progressive Party said that he understands that we have different positions on whether all MPs should be elected or not. In fact, the Progressive Party proposed that this be one of the secondary questions in the referendum. Let the people directly decide. But please don't use the reason that we must have space for experts, experienced people, and diverse groups in MPs as a reason to say that we shouldn't have all elected MPs.
Because if we carefully design the electoral system, we can have all elected MPs. That there is still space for experts - experienced people - diverse groups. (If we wish to have it) without having to choose one or the other.
Source: Thai News Agency