"I pledge to live up to the expectations of my fellow CDA members and the public in ensuring that the drafting of the new constitution will be acceptable to all sides and completed on time," Noranit said.

Noranit expressed optimism the charter writing process would be successful despite time constraints. The new constitution must be unveiled within 180 days.

He urged political parties to get involved in the drafting process by submitting recommendations on democratic rule.

"I don't think the existing ban on party gatherings is an obstacle for soliciting and airing opinions on proposed charter provisions," he said.

He also called on CDA members to carefully pick their preferences for the upcoming vote to name the 25 charter writers. The vote is expected to take place within a week.

The CDA would also have to form about six committees to assist the charter writing, he said. These panels should focus on involving the public as well as making preparations for holding the referendum on the constitutional draft.

The CDA convened its first meeting to elect a chairman and two deputies. It adopted meeting procedures of the National Legislative Assembly for yesterday's session.

CDA member Sawat Chotephanit was invited by the meeting secretariat to temporarily chair the session on grounds of his age. After he called the session to order, three CDA members - Noranit, Sawat and Charan Phakdithanakul - were nominated for chairmanship.

But Sawat and Charan withdrew their names, which paved the way for Noranit to get the job unchallenged.

However, CDA member Chirmsak Pinthong claimed later that bloc voting had been arranged to elect Noranit and the two deputies, which was why the two other candidates withdrew from the contest.

Seri Suwanapanont was then elected first deputy chairman, and Decho Saowananont second deputy chairman.

Sathian Viriyapanpongsa

The Nation