| |
BANGKOK : Thailand's military-appointed government unveiled a new outline constitution on Thursday with controversial proposals that could limit the role of any future elected prime minister.
The document will go to a referendum next month but campaigning is under way to reject it, a result which analysts fear could prompt fresh turmoil in the already trouble hit country.
An army-appointed panel unveiled the charter which aims to limit prime ministerial powers while guiding Thailand to its first elections since last year's coup.
The proposals would rein in the executive branch in a move the military hopes will prevent future prime ministers from amassing massive control.
The military, whose appointees are set to approve the final version of the charter on Friday, insists that ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra had centralised too much power.
The military toppled Thaksin in a bloodless coup last September has promised to bring a new constitution to a referendum, tentatively scheduled for August 19.
"This constitution will strengthen the system of checks and balances and make it more effective," the drafters said in a statement.
"Although you may not like some articles, most of the content upholds righteousness and improves on the 1997 Constitution. If people vote for it, it will pave the way for elections and lead to a new democratic government," the statement said.
Many of the charter's 309 articles take particular aim at the generals' grievances against Thaksin, who was accused of using his office to benefit his business interests.
The new constitution would bar a prime minister and any spouses or children from owning major stakes in private companies and from having a stake in media groups.
Ethical violations would become impeachable offences and the charter would make it easier to bring no confidence motions against the premier.
The entire cabinet and all lawmakers would have to disclose all of their assets and would also make it tougher to pass free trade deals, which Thaksin championed, by requiring public hearings on any international treaty.
Groups that feel harmed by free trade pacts would be allowed to seek compensation from the government.
Pro-democracy groups complain that proposals were decided by a hand-picked military committee without enough public input, and campaigns are under way to urge Thailand's estimated 46 million voters to reject the constitution.
Buddhist monks are also opposing it because they want their faith enshrined as the national religion.
Thaksin supporters are urging a "No" vote to prove he remains an influential figure in the country, even though has been in exile since the coup.
The referendum will be the first test for the military at the ballot box.
"The military now has staked its legitimacy and credibility on passing the referendum. The stakes are high, because it's a new battle between the coup makers, Thaksin's opponents, and Thaksin and his people," said political analyst Thitinan Pongsudhirak.
If the referendum succeeds, Thaksin supporters could take to the streets in opposition.
If it fails, the military could impose its own constitution before holding elections, which would cast more doubt on the legitimacy of the polls, Thitinan said.
"Whatever the result, it will be controversial," he said. - AFP/de
|
