The main reason for scrapping the party-list MPs is because the system allows capitalists to rise to power through money politics.

Charan had earlier voiced opposition against the party list MPs system on the grounds that it could lead to a presidential system, as some political parties cited they have overwhelming MPs support.

The subcommittee decided to maintain the number of constituency MPs at 400. It fears that politicians may oppose the new constitution if it reduces the number.

The subcommittee also ruled to scrap the single-MP constituency system to pave way for a multiple MP constituency system, in which each constituency will be larger and MP candidates who win the most votes respectively are elected in each province.

Vote counting will be changed from counting at the polling centre - where all ballots of that constituency are put together to be counted - and changed to combining three polling stations and counting the ballots in one place.

The new method of vote counting aims to curb electoral fraud by ballots or ballot boxes being changed on the way to the centre. The new method will also prevent canvassers from being able to check if voters vote for the candidate they want because the votes are not counted at the polling station.

The subcommittee also ruled against political parties merging during the administration and banned exit polls on the Election Day. They cannot decide yet whether to maintain the 90-day rule - in which MPs are required to be party members before the general election - or reduce the number of days they are required to be members.

Sathien Piriyaphanpongsa

The Nation