The potential question would be asked in addition to whether voters would accept the new draft constitution written by the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC).

According to the 2014 interim charter, the NLA is eligible to ask an extra question in the referendum on the charter draft. The NRSA could propose a question or any related advice to the NLA, which would decide on the matter next week.

NRSA member Wanchai Sornsiri yesterday proposed that voters be asked whether both Houses of Parliament should jointly choose the prime minister during the transition period.

He explained that the country would still need to be overseen transitioning to democracy. If the junta-appointed Senate is allowed to take part in choosing the prime minister, a good result could be promised, he said.

“Such a practice would help prevent crises and future coups,” Wanchai said.

His motion was voted 136 to two with 12 abstentions.

Along with the question, the NRSA also agreed to include a recommendation to the NLA that an extra referendum question may also involve the waiver of the three-prime minister candidate list during the five-year transition as suggested by Kamnoon Siddhisamarn, a member of the defunct Constitution Drafting Committee.

Those taking turns in discussing the matter included Seri Suwanpanont, chairman of the NRSA’s committee on political reform, who strongly supported the motion.

During the convention yesterday some members, including veteran politicians like Kasit Piromya, Vittaya Kaewparadai, and Nikorn Chamnong voiced strong opposition to having an additional question in the referendum planned for early August.

They said that such a question could potentially become a source of conflict. Also, if contradicting the constitution, voters would be confused and more issues might emerge.