CDC keeps many contentious points
In yesterday's debate the 35-member Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) decided to retain many draft provisions, even though the 12 organisations in charge of vetting the draft want them revised.
Led by CDC chairman Prasong Soonsiri, the majority votes decided to keep a clause on the death penalty. On the issue of whether to enshrine Buddhism as the state religion, the CDC opted to retain the draft provisions relating to religious freedom by not elevating the status of one faith above the others. It agreed, however, to cut a controversial clause on the crisis panel. It went on to endorse the draft provisions designating the Office of the Attorney General as an independent organisation. It approved a revision as per the suggestion of the Election Commission to revoke the voting rights of party executives found guilty of buying votes or being linked to corruption. The punishment would be tantamount to removing the guilty executives from the electoral process. The CDC has scheduled its next debate for Friday when its key agendas include the electoral system for MPs and the future of the Senate.
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