An architect of the multi-seat election system yesterday warned that switching back to single-seat constituencies might encourage rampant vote buying.
"The recommendation from the Sombat Thamrongthanyawong panel is just a rehash of an old debate during the drafting of the 2007 Constitution," said Election Commission member Sodsri Sattayatham, who helped author the 2007 charter.
The preceding 1997 charter introduced single-seat constituencies, which might be popular in other democracies but in the local political landscape, ended up fuelling money politics to sway votes, she said, explaining why the charter writers opted for the multi-seat system.
The Sombat panel should provide a good explanation for why it wants to revive the flawed voting system, she said.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said his Democrat Party had no intention to exert its influence over the method for fielding candidates.
"Whatever system is adopted, it should ensure fairness and not favour one party over another," he said.
The Sombat panel was trying to create a comprehensive plan to revamp and improve the election system, he said. The issues were much broader than the question of picking between single- and multi-seat constituencies, he said.
All sides should not to draw a hasty conclusion on the representative structure and other issues related to charter amendments, he said.
The recommendations for amending the charter are being circulated but the Sombat panel has yet to submit its final report, he said.
The government wants the panel, which comprises academics, to recommend how the charter changes should proceed so the mistakes of earlier administrations can be avoided, he said.
In 2008, the ruling People Power Party pushed for charter amendments, triggering street protests and turmoil, he noted.
The current government would strive to make advances in all aspects while setting aside partisan issues like the electoral system for vetting by academics before deciding its next move, he said.
On his part, he would focus on putting issues under him back on course, such as allowing the opposition equal access to state-run media outlets, including TV stations.
Under the circumstances, he would like to encourage public participation and the airing of opposing views because in the face of unprecedented polarisation, there was no leader who could bridge the political divide overnight, he said.
ALMOST ONE IN TWO BACK REFORM
Almost one in two people voiced support for national reform, saying it was time to resolve problems accrued over the years, Suan Dusit Poll said in a release of its survey.
About 43 per cent of 2,458 respondents were optimistic that the reform initiative would help restore peace and unity among Thai citizens.
Some 41 per cent said reform should |start with politics although 46 per cent remained uncertain whether any reform movement could resolve differences among politicians.