THE NEW charter draft released yesterday meets the intentions of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha said yesterday.

“I’m content that the draft has paved the way to solve democracy that used to be disorganised, with graft, law violations and the entrance to politics without good governance,” Prayut said. “The drafters wrote [the charter] and I’m okay with that, although it’s not exactly what I want.”

The premier, however, refused to elaborate about his personal views on the final draft, adding that he could overturn the process but would not do so as people were looking forward to an election.

His only concerns about the draft were whether it could bring peace to the country and benefit the people, he said.

“You can vote down the draft if you don’t want peace in this country,” he said. “If I am to be responsible [if the draft is not passed], I can terminate everything. I have power to do that if I want to.”

With regard to the upcoming referendum, Prayut said the government had not yet made advance preparations but said parties would have to abide by the law, with measures being specifically designed to handle “the country’s abnormal situation”.

Suriyasai Katasila, a former political activist and deputy dean of Rangsit University’s College of Social Innovation, said the new charter draft demonstrated that the powers-that-be and charter drafters viewed “the situation” principally from a security aspect, which explained their “special political and security mechanisms” to ensure the country’s stability.

There was nothing wrong with that perspective, Suriyasai said, but he added that it was apparently narrow, which explained why the charter overlooked “citizen-based politics” that could help to ensure social and political stability with needed long-term reforms that are supported by the public. To the contrary, he said, the “special mechanisms” raise further questions whether “the situation” will be brought to a conclusion and if the NCPO will hold on to power.

Suriyasai said the new charter draft delivers democracy that does not conform to international standards, although it was understandable given the country’s political context.

He added that the powers-that-be must ensure that the proposed special mechanisms were temporary and it would be better if the five-year transitional term was reduced. In the long run, he said “citizen-based politics” must be empowered to help to secure long-term reforms and the country’s stability.

“In the end, it’s about reforming the country, and the people will be the most critical force,” Suriyasai said. “To sustain democracy, the powers-that-be must reduce their distrust of people and instead support their increasing role in politics.”

Independent academic Sirote Klampaiboon, on the other hand, viewed the charter draft as “almost unacceptable” because it established undemocratic powers that would dominate national politics and governance. During the five-year interim period, Sirote said, the charter’s transitional clauses will lead to “power friction” – meaning the next government will not be able to work independently because it will be overseen by the NCPO.

“With this move [imposing the five-year transitional period], it seems the NCPO will retain its power as they will still have a role in politics during the transitional period,” Sirote said.

He added that Meechai’s draft would block the next government’s administrative actions because of the NCPO-selected Senate and empowered independent organisations.

He also disagreed with the draft’s provision to allow an outsider prime minister given two-thirds votes of both houses of Parliament.

Key Pheu Thai Party member Chaturon Chaisang rebuked the draft, saying it was designed to favour the NCPO and was full of undemocratic principles.

He also anticipated that the next government operating under Meechai’s charter would not be able to maintain stability, leading eventually to political turmoil. “When the country sinks into a circle of turmoil, an outsider will become a prime minister. At that time … the powerful people … will be satisfied,” the Pheu Thai executive said.

Democrat Party deputy leader Ongart Klampaiboon yesterday urged the government to clarify what replacement charter would be used if the draft does not pass the public referendum. He said voters had the right to know the alternative charter prior to the referendum.

“The constitution is the most important law,” he said. “The public has the right to know about the future charter and they should be given choices, not be punched while their hands are tied.”

He added that the Democrat Party would scrutinise the final revised version of the charter draft and call a press conference to explain the drawbacks and advantages of each chapter to the public.

Meanwhile, the “red shirt” United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship chairman Jatuporn Prompan reiterated his stance opposing the draft. He said the charter would damage the country as did the 1991 and 2007 constitutions.