Election Commission member Somchai Srisutthiyakorn has slammed a forum held by the Constitution Drafting Committee to gather feedback on draft organic laws, saying it was only a ceremonial event held with no intention to educate the public.
He was referring to a public forum about the draft organic law on the EC and the draft organic law on political parties held on Wednesday.
Mr Somchai said the CDC organised the forum as a token gesture, rather than a sincere move to inform the public of the content of the laws.
The forum, which was also held a second time in parliament, was not attended by representatives of major parties, which indicated the CDC was not keen to invite parties to the forum, Mr Somchai said.
He added the CDC brought up the EC's version of the draft law, which the committee has no intention of enacting, for debate at the second forum.
This was misleading, Mr Somchai suggested, as the EC's version of the draft and the CDC's own version, which is to be enacted, differed considerably.
"The CDC should hold a fresh forum to listen to other stakeholders, otherwise these important laws won't get the input they need," he said.
"The CDC should not cover up anything unpleasant about the law and rush it through the National Legislative Assembly," Mr Somchai said.
Mr Somchai also noted rules on new qualifications for members of public independent organisations under the new charter may be designed to allow certain groups to dominate public bodies.
Mr Somchai said worries about his own job security on the EC under the new rules had nothing to do with why he spoke out against the new criteria.
He said he was confident he was qualified to be an election commissioner under the new charter as he had worked in independent agencies for over 35 years.
CDC chairman Meechai Ruchupan yesterday rejected Mr Somchai's criticism the CDC had tried to cover up flaws in the draft organic laws, insisting the CDC had nothing to hide. The CDC cannot provide details because the draft laws have not yet been finalised, he said.
