Abhisit hails Ombudsman verdict on party order

The Democrat party yesterday reiterated its call for the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to amend a Section 44 order involving confirmation of political party membership.

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said the NCPO’s Order No.53/2017 should be amended as soon as possible without waiting for a judicial review after the Office of the Ombudsman initially agreed it violates the constitution.

Under the order issued on Dec 22 last year, members of parties are required to produce letters confirming their membership and pay party fees by April 30 or lose their status.

The Office of the Ombudsman last week decided to seek a Constitutional Court ruling on the validity of the order following petitions by the Democrat and Pheu Thai parties which argue the order violates basic rights to party membership guaranteed by the constitution and creates unnecessary burdens.

“Even though the ombudsman’s view on this matter isn’t final, its job is also to look into people’s complaints. When the government is aware of its view, it should take action,” Mr Abhisit said.

The membership confirmation process is smooth only when done at the party’s head office. The process for those in the provinces requires a lot of paperwork.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said yesterday the EC is looking into problems faced by parties that require legal amendments and will submit them to the NCPO.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday reiterated he would consider changing the orders when he sees suitable. “When the time comes, I will free the process so they can follow the procedure in time,” he said.