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The Popular Party (PP) has urged the incoming administration and the recently elected legislative body to respect the results of the recent vote and proceed with creating a new constitution, cautioning that any postponement would disregard the people’s decision.

Natthawut Buapratum, a member of the People’s Party (PP) and former head of a parliamentary committee focused on constitutional changes, expressed on Tuesday his surprise at reports suggesting that the upcoming government—anticipated to be headed by the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT)—might not place emphasis on constitutional reform.

His comments came after the Election Commission (EC) officially released the referendum outcomes in the Royal Gazette, indicating that over 21 million voters endorsed the proposal.

He mentioned that the government and parliament had a duty to adhere to the public’s agreement. The PP, he further stated, was ready to advance an amendment bill aimed at creating a process for drafting a new constitution.

The Party of the People expresses gratitude to the 21,621,638 citizens who supported the new constitution,” he stated. “The outcome meets the conditions outlined in the Referendum Act and reflects a broad public agreement that extends beyond the backing of any single political party.

He admitted that over 11 million voters were against the proposal and more than three million remained neutral, emphasizing that certain individuals continue to have reservations regarding the structure, content, and methodology of creating a new constitution, as well as its effectiveness in tackling underlying political, social, and economic issues impacting society.

Mr. Natthawut stated that all sectors need to assist in explaining the procedure and guarantee effective public involvement. Additional referendums would eventually be necessary — one regarding the amendment that allows the drafting process and another for the final version.

According to Section 68 of the Referendum Act, after the outcomes are announced in the Royal Gazette, the EC is required to inform the prime minister and the speaker of the parliament.

However, initiating the creation of a new charter cannot proceed without first updating the current version, particularly Section 256, in accordance with rulings from the Constitutional Court.

Conflicts in the previous parliament between the House of Representatives and the Senate regarding the minimum number of senators needed to endorse the procedure led to the parliament being dissolved and a new election being announced.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).