The Senate voted on Monday (30 September) to amend the Referendum bill previously approved by the House of Representatives to require a double majority.

The 2021 Referendum Act also stipulated that passage required a ‘double majority’: a turnout of more than half of all eligible voters, at least half of whom vote in favour.

On 21 August, the House of Representatives passed a bill amending the Referendum Act so that a double majority is no longer required. The amendments were made on the grounds that requiring a double majority would impede referendums and allow those seeking a ‘no’ vote to easily organise a boycott. The bill was forwarded to the Senate, which voted to establish an ad hoc committee and review the draft within 60 days.

Senator Nantana Nantawaropas said on 25 September that the Senate ad hoc committee had overturned its previous resolution, voting instead to amend the bill so that a double majority is required.

Nantana noted that during the committee’s first four meetings, members said they agree with the amendments approved by the House of Representatives because requiring only a single majority is more feasible and realistic. However, going back to requiring a double majority would mean that referendums would fail without the required turnout.

Yesterday (30 September), the Senate voted 167 to 19, with 17 abstentions, to amend the bill so that a double majority is required. The bill will now be returned to the House, which will vote on whether to agree with changes made by the Senate.

Concerns have been raised that the process of amending the bill and, as a result, the Constitution could face significant delay, as it may take up to 6 months before the bill can be passed. If the House rejects the changes made by the Senate, a joint committee would be formed to find a solution within 60 days. The version of the bill put forward by the joint committee would need to be approved by both the House and the Senate. If it is not approved by both houses, it will be put on hold for 180 days and cannot be proposed again during this time. After the 180 days have lapsed, the House of Representatives may hold another vote to pass the original draft.