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Published on July 12, 2007

"The NLA's committee in charge of scrutinising the referendum legislation will likely recommend lighter penalties than those in the original draft in order to encourage the airing of opinions on the charter," Somchai Sawaengkan said.

Somchai said the draft was a one-off law designed to organise the referendum on the charter and it would expire following the vote.

Another lawmaker, Gothom Arya, said the vetting of the draft was aimed at ensuring a free and fair referendum.

"Well-intentioned campaigning to raise awareness on the referendum is allowed, and draft provisions are meant to deter those ill-intentioned people who want to rig the voting outcome," he said.

Gothom said the government and all parties concerned should encourage the debate on charter provisions in order to help voters reach their decisions.

In anticipating the voter turnout, he said he would be satisfied with 60 per cent of voters casting ballots.

It is beyond expectations for the turnout to reach 70 per cent, he added, noting that in a referendum, voters do not feel as involved as in a general election.

Meanwhile, the Constitution Drafting Assembly is preparing to hold a debate on the draft charter before the referendum, a member of the Committee On People's Participation said yesterday.

Sirichai Maingam said assembly chairman Noranit Setabutr, Constitution Drafting Committee chairman Prasong Soonsiri, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and former prime minister Anand Panyarachun would join the debate.

The date for the discussion has not been set, but there will also be another forum at Parliament on July 24 comprising 200 people representing six different groups, including non-government organisations, labour organisations and the disabled.

Similar activities will be held around the country.