‘Open list’ condemned
Political rivals the Democrat and and Pheu Thai parties are united against the proposed “open list” system in the new draft charter, Matichon Weekly says.
The Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) proposed that the “party list” system in which a party prepares a list of candidates for voters to consider be replaced by a new system in which voters get to rank list candidates by themselves.
“The open list method is said to be a unique system, unlike any in the world,” the article said.
The old party list system is based on a belief that voters should have a say about which political party they favour, not just individual candidates.
With the open list system, the CDC wants voters to pick good people to work in parliament, the story said.
CDC member Suchit Boonbongkarn said under the open list system, voters will be divided into six zones based on the country’s regions.
Voters will first choose which party they want to vote for, then select their preferred list candidate. Candidates who receive the highest number of votes will be ranked first under the open lineup.
“The rationale behind this system is to foster a connection between voters and candidates on the list,” Mr Suchit said.
“Before, voters did not have to consider who was on the list so the party could place whoever they wanted on it,” he said.
Former election commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn supports the proposed new system.
He said it will empower people as it allows them to make their own choice.
One flaw of the old party list system is people who were put on it were not considered based on their qualities.
They were instead judged by the influence they held or the financial support they gave to the party, the story said.
Politicians from both the Democrat and Pheu Thai parties disagree with the proposal, though.
Democrat deputy leader Jurin Laksanawisit said having voters select a list candidate means people will not be voting for the party, which should be the case for the list system.
The proposal will pitch candidates from the same party against one another and send politics into chaos, he said.
Another Democrat member, Nipit Intarasombat, urged the charter drafters to review the proposal. He said the open list system will stir up problems.
Pheu Thai legal adviser Chusak Sirinil said the open list system will lead to regionalism and provincialism, and could cause confusion for voters, he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said the open list system has both benefits and drawbacks.
He urged people to consider carefully what their priorities are as it will be impossible to have everything in the new draft charter.