Saigon Approves Constitution

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31323, 20 March 1967, Page 13

Saigon Approves Constitution

C.V.Z. Press Association—Copyright) SAIGON, March 19. South Vietnam’s Constituent Assembly yesterday approved the nation’s new constitution in a vote speeded up so that the Prime Minister, Air Vice-Marshal Ky, can present the charter to President Johnson when they meet tomorrow in Guam. The vote by the 102 deputies present was unanimous. Fifteen were absent. The document, designed to serve as the basis for a switch from military' rule to elected government, calls for a presidential form of government.

It is actually the draft constitution which must be submitted to the ruling military junta, headed by Air Vice-Marshal Ky for final approval.

The junta leaders have said that they do not plan to exercise their authority to amend it in any significant way. The vote came after reports that the Prime Minister was putting pressure on the group, elected by the South Vietnamese in last (northern) autumn to speed up its deliberations so he could present the constitution to President Johnson tomorrow. Compromise Made In writing the draft constitution the Assembly compromised with the junta on some major issues and refused to accept changes proposed by the military leaders on other and less important issues. Presidential elections will be held in Vietnam six' months after the constitution’s! promulgation. Legislative elections are promised within a year after a ballot for the presidency. | A smoking bronze incense, burner was placed in front of I the delegates gathered in the Assembly building to emphasise the solemnity of the occasion. As the roll was called, each deputy stood and raised his right hand to signify approval. In the debate preceding the ballot, the Assembly accepted with slight alterations a compromise proposal by the Prime Minister concerning the future role of the Assembly itself. This was written into the draft constitution. To Stay On He suggested that the; Assembly stay on after, promulgation of the constitution to write the laws governing the establishment of institutions to be set up under the charter. He said it could disband after the presidential election, expected to take place in October.

The Assembly had sought this assignment, but also wanted to remain as a fully fledged interim legislature during the period. It was finally agreed that the deputies would stay on as an interim legislature after the presidential balloting and until a new Assembly was seated.

Meantime, the deputies will draft the laws for the election of a chief executive, vicepresident and legislature, for the organisation of a Supreme Court and for codes governing political parties and the press.

The military junta will continue to rule until a president is chosen.