CDC President Meechai Ruchupan introduces the proposed new constitution before the parliament in Bangkok. (Photo: AFP/VNA)Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand’s Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) issued the proposed new constitution for public review on March 29 in an attempt to pull Thailand out of the decade-long political crisis.
The 105-page, 279-article document will be voted on in a national referendum set for August 7.
If the new constitution is ratified, nationwide elections could be held in July 2017, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha announced.
The proposed constitution allows the military-run government to pick a panel of 250 senators who would check the powers of lawmakers for a five-year transitional period following the elections.
The document also legalises a proportional voting system in order to reduce the majority held by any elected government and to prohibit politicians from abusing their power.
According to the drafters, the new constitution would end the cycle of elections, street protests and coups. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha said the charter will help him rid Thailand of corruption and abuse of power.
Critics said that the document only prolongs control of the military and could not solve the kingdom’s political tensions.
The referendum will mark the first time Thais return to the ballot box since Prayuth led a coup in May two years ago.-VNA
