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Published on July 4, 2007

Wallop, who is an NLA coordinating committee member, said the bill should be brought to the assembly's consideration after the Budget Bill passes earlier in the day.

NLA member Prasong Soonsiri said earlier yesterday that slow progress with legislation for a referendum on the new constitution could force the assembly to pass it in back-to-back readings.

The law must be passed to be able to hold the referendum as scheduled on August 19.

The legislation is yet to be tabled in the assembly and may require three back-to-back readings if it is to become law before the end of the month and not hinder the referendum, Prasong said.

But NLA chairman Meechai Ruchuphan rejects the suggestion. He said the legislation was complex and members needed to give it adequate scrutiny. It could take as long as two weeks before it is put to a vote, he said.

He added the government must present the bill to the NLA immediately, adding members are concerned about the delay.

Meechai said the Council of State had reviewed the law. He did not know why the legislation had not been given to the NLA for consideration.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet yesterday approved a Bt576-million budget for the Election Commission in preparing a referendum on the draft charter.

The Cabinet also approved the Education Ministry's proposal to promote democracy, the referendum and elections.

The project will include informing and educating people about the draft and the referendum in July and August. After that will be campaigning for people to cast their votes in the referendum as well as promoting free and fair voting.

The referendum will take place on August 19.

Meanwhile, the 19 Septem-ber Network Against the Coup group issued a statement in reaction to election commissioner Sodsri Satatyatham's comment on its campaign against the constitution draft. The group said the group had the right to express opinions. People had the right to exchange their opinions and decide whether to vote for or against the draft.

The EC should have promoted people's public debate on the issue, without dominating or limiting their opinions.

Meanwhile, the National Legislative Assembly should not allow a Referendum Act that prohibits campaigns against the draft.

The group said in the statement even if the campaign against the constitution draft is prohibited, the group will engage in "civil disobedience" and continue its campaign against the draft.

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation