Politicians revolt against NLA move

>> Politicians have slammed a move by a National Legislative Assembly (NLA) committee to delay the enforcement of the organic bill on MP election which may result in the election being postponed until February 2019.

The majority of the NLA panel vetting the bill on Friday voted for it to be effective only 90 days after it is passed and published in the Royal Gazette, instead of immediately.

According to the constitution, an election must be held within 150 days of the required laws, including the MP election law, being promulgated. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has insisted the election will be held in November this year.

The second and third readings of the organic law on MP election are scheduled for Jan 25.

Pheu Thai heavyweight Chaturon Chaisang said the NLA panel’s decision is “nothing but a ploy aimed at fulfilling the regime’s desire to further delay the election” and to prepare for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to resume premiership as an outsider PM after the election.

Attempts to help the National Council for Peace and Order to prolong its grip on power will only deal a blow to the regime, he said.

Former Pheu Thai MP Worachai Hema echoed the view that delaying the enforcement of the bill will help the regime to stay on in power.

Any delay to the election will only prompt people to pressure Gen Prayut to keep his election promise, Mr Worachai said.

Ongart Klampaibul, deputy Democrat Party leader, said the NLA panel’s decision to delay the enforcement of the organic bill is not beyond expectation.

Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd yesterday said it was up to the NLA panel to decide on the matter and the NCPO and the government “had nothing to do with it”.

Lt Gen Sansern also rejected speculation that the extension of the bill’s enactment was to help with the formation of a militarybacked party.