A LEADER of the “respect my vote” demonstration at Bangkok Art & Culture Centre this evening (July 16) urged the eight partners of the coalition government led by Move Forward Party to stick together and not break ranks with those doing so to be branded dictators, Naewna newspaper said.
In a fiery speech Mr. Anon Nampha, a well-known political activist and human rights lawyer, said people should not let the 250 unelected senators use the excuse of Move Forward’s plan to amend the lese majeste law, better known of Section 112 of the Criminal Code, to not vote for party leader Pita Limjaroenrat as prime minister.
In Thursday’s joint House/Senate meeting, Pita obtained 324 yea votes from 311 MPs and 13 senators with 51 votes short of a minimum of 375 as required by law.
The vast majority of senators either did not attend the joint session or abstained from voting, albeit attending, or downright cast nay votes against him.
Another House/Senate meeting is due to take place next Wednesday (July 19) with Pita to be named prime minister for a second time.
Anon said not voting for Pita over his party’s move to amend Section 112 is but an excuse with those who are against him fearing that if this coalition comes to power structural changes will be implemented including the new education minister changing the curriculum that allegedly brainwashes schoolchildren.
They also fear changes in the police force and the defence structure with no submarines to be purchased while the city governor would become more independent.
At 6.40 p.m. the demonstrators read a statement whereby lawmakers, especially senators, will be condemned if they vote against the consensus of the majority of the people in this country.
They requested that senators who did not vote for Pita resign their position and allow the remaining lawmakers to vote in accordance with the wishes of the majority of the people.
They also urged the eight partners of the Move Forward-led coalition government to solidify their position to achieve objectives promised to the people and transform the country into a complete democracy.
Earlier this afternoon, a “car mob” procession of automobiles and motorcycles went to submit a letter of resignation as senator at the army headquarters on Ratchadamnoen Nok road, navy headquarters on Arun Amarin road and national police headquarters on Rama 1 road.
CAPTION:
The demonstration at Bangkok Art & Culture Centre this evening with Mr. Anon Nampha giving a speech, next to him are banners of the
REDEM (Restart Democracy) group. Top and inserted photos: Matichon, Front Page photo:Thai Rath
Also read: Demonstrators protest Police Chief’s absence from voting for PM
Most people still prefer Pita for PM regardless of how long it takes: NIDA Poll
Bill to rid senators of PM-picking power, PM-voting process could run concurrently: Chaithawat
Pita calls on people to urge senators to vote him for PM
Move Forward MPs file bill to rid senators of PM-picking power
Chonlanan confirms Pita will be named PM again next week
Revealing senators’ businesses just the starting point: Rung
‘No opposition to Pita,’ says Cambodia’s Hun Sen
Police prepare for nationwide protests, Parliament heavily guarded
Pita not giving up on renewed bid for PM
Pita’s attempted rise to power aborted by non-coalition MPs, senators
