Hraparak: The Government Has Once Again Brought Back the Controversial Bill Rejected in July

The government has once again brought back the controversial bill that was rejected in July. This bill pertains to granting temporary incapacitated parliamentarians the right to vote by written ballot.

According to the current law, a parliamentarian can only inform of their intention to vote in advance if they are on a business trip. The proposal seeks to also grant sick parliamentarians the opportunity to vote in writing. The same is proposed for members of the National Assembly Council and committee members.

A certificate of temporary incapacity and a letter regarding the vote must be handed over to the chair of the committee or their substitute in a sealed envelope at least 3 hours before the vote.

The necessity for this change arose due to the coronavirus pandemic, as parliamentarians had contracted the virus. However, during the second reading, it faced harsh criticism from the President of the National Assembly and was rejected, creating the impression that it would not return to the agenda. Yet, it has been returned to ensure the smooth passage of bills due to absenteeism during important votes in the near future.