Referendum bill fast-tracked though many doubt it will work

A 29-member panel has been appointed to scrutinise draft provisions for the final two readings. The bill is on a fast track for passage as the government is pinning its hopes on the referendum outcome helping to overcome the political deadlock.

People's Alliance for Democracy leader Somsak Kosaisuk this morning cast doubt, however, over whether the referendum could take place. The major obstacle was how the government could phrase the referendum question without violating the Constitution, he said.

The question posed to voters must neither prejudice nor offend the PAD's right to peaceful assembly, nor touch on any political system which is not sanctioned by the charter, he said.

He hinted that it might be impossible to come up with an acceptable wording that would allow voters to freely choose between the government and the PAD.

He said the PAD would not get involved in the referendum process because its unwavering demand is for the government to step down.

Somsak also said he was uncertain whether a snap election would be the answer. If corrupt politicians continued to win elections and dominate the House, there would not be any improvement and street protests might continue, he said.

Earlier, PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul suggested the break-up of the coalition alliance and called on the Democrats to have a shot at forming a new coalition.