Charter writers reach out to parties
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Charter writers reach out to parties

The Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) will invite political parties and groups with opposing views to hear their opinions on the framework of the new charter.

CDC spokesman Kamnoon Sidhisamarn said on Tuesday the committee would ask parties to send their representatives to meet the CDC next week: Pheu Thai (Nov 17), Democrat (18), Bhumjaithai and Chartthaipattana (19), Chartpattana and Phalang Chon (20) and Matubhum and Rak Prathetthai (21).

In the following week, the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) or the red shirts will be invited to come on Nov 24, followed by the People's Democratic Reform Committee and the People's Alliance for Democracy on the following day.

For political parties without MPs in the previous election, Gen Lertrat  Ratanavanich, a National Reform Council committee member, will ask for their views.

A party or group who cannot make it may submit their visions in writing.

PDRC spokesman Akanat Promphan said on Tuesday his group would cooperate with the CDC.

"What we're proposing is how to change the electoral system. How can we make a political party belong to the people and not to a powerful man?

"Influential men dominate parties and select politicians. When these politicians rise to power, they respond to their boss rather than the people," Mr Akanat said.

UDDD chairman Jatuporn Prompan said in his view the CDC should discover itself first because its members have been talking about things that are against the sentiment of people and democratic principles.

"[What they say] has gone too far and won't benefit the charter drafting. In any case, we're open to talks although we have no hope our proposal would be taken seriously. After all, the drafting will be restricted by Section 35 of the interim charter," he said.

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