Anutin denies Bhumjaithai influenced Senate’s double majority vote

Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, firmly denied allegations yesterday, October 1, that his party influenced the Senate’s decision to maintain the double majority requirement for passing a referendum on a new constitution.

“We had nothing to do with it,” stated Anutin, responding to comments by Senator Nantana Nantavaropas, who suggested that the vote might have been manipulated.

Anutin, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, emphasised that any government push for a new constitution must first be discussed among the leaders of coalition parties.

Chousak Sirinil, the PM’s Office Minister, indicated that a joint committee is anticipated to resolve differences between the Lower and Upper Houses regarding the necessary majority size for passing the referendum.

Chousak also mentioned that Pheu Thai would need to consult with coalition leaders on advancing the new constitution initiative. Some coalition parties have proposed amending Section 256 of the constitution to facilitate the creation of a charter-writing body to draft a new version.

“If a new charter is drawn up this way and passed by Parliament, it could be put to a referendum straight away.”

He further noted that Wisut Chainarun, a Pheu Thai list-MP and chief government whip, would organise a meeting of coalition party leaders to deliberate on the matter. Chousak expressed confidence that the new constitution should be drafted and enacted within the remaining three years of the government’s term and suggested forming a working panel to discuss the details of the charter-rewrite effort.

On Monday, the Upper House voted 164-21, with nine abstentions, to keep the double majority requirement.

The composition of the new Senate includes many senators believed to have affiliations with Bhumjaithai. Anutin’s party skillfully navigated the complex voting system designed by the Election Commission (EC), resulting in 14 senators from the party’s stronghold of Buriram and numerous others from provinces well-represented in the Lower House.

The blue bloc, representing Bhumjaithai, forms the largest faction in the new Upper House, with at least 150 of the 200 senators.

The double majority stipulates that for a referendum result to be binding, more than 50% of eligible voters must participate, and the majority of those casting votes must approve it, reported Bangkok Post.