EC brings pro- and anti-charter parties together ahead of referendum

The Election Commission (EC) will host a Zoom conference from its office tomorrow for two groups of political parties—those supporting an amendment to or the drafting of a new Constitution and those opposing it—to select five representatives from each group.

These representatives will present their views on the Constitution on January 27 at the Centara Life Hotel, located within the Government Complex.

A total of 35 political parties have notified the Election Commission of their intention to express their views related to the referendum, which will be held on February 8, Election Day, when voters will decide whether the current charter should remain in force or be replaced.

Of the 35 parties, 18 support the drafting of a completely new charter, 14 oppose it, and three remain undecided.

An EC source said that if the two groups are unable to agree on their five representatives each, the Bangkok election director will draw lots to select the representatives.

The presentation of views on whether a new charter should be drafted forms part of the referendum process aimed at educating and guiding the public, enabling eligible voters to make an informed decision rather than being overwhelmed by complex academic issues and potentially choosing not to vote.

On Election Day, each voter will receive three ballot papers: one for constituency candidates, one for party-list candidates, and one for the referendum on the charter question.