Activists call for more power for the people
A political action group yesterday called on charter drafters to reduce state power while increasing people's participation in politics.
The People's Assembly for Political Reform (PAPR) yesterday held its first public hearing on the new constitution at Chulalongkorn University. About 100 academics and members of non-government organisations participated. PAPR was formed by allies of the People's Alliance for Democracy. It concluded 20 recommendations that will be forwarded to the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) tomorrow, leading member Suriyasai Katasila said. The group plans more hearings nationwide before concluding meetings at Thammasat University on April 1, Suriyasai said. Conclusions from each will be submitted to the CDA. He added proposals were aimed at reducing state power and enhancing people's participation in politics. The 20 proposals include requirements prime ministers come from the ranks of elected members of Parliament, their tenure is limited to two terms or eight years and censure debates be easier to instigate. Constituency candidates need not belong to political parties and neither should they be prevented from running on educational grounds. The hearing wanted to see provincial governors elected.
Sathien Wiriyaphanpongsa The Nation
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