NLA votes today on EC candidates

NLA votes today on EC candidates

The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) will vote Thursday on the shortlisted candidates to sit on the Election Commission (EC) amid reports that one of them may be rejected by the lawmakers.

NLA vice-president Surachai Liangboonlertchai said the planned meeting, which will take place behind closed doors, will consider the backgrounds and qualifications of the seven candidates prior to the vote.

The report has been prepared by a 17-member committee which was set up by the NLA to examine the candidates' background information, including ethical conduct.

After deliberating the report, the NLA will vote whether to endorse the candidates. The shortlisted candidates must receive endorsement from half of the assembly, or a total of 123 votes.

Of the seven finalists, two have been picked by the assembly of the Supreme Court judges and the five others chosen by a selection panel led by the Supreme Court.

The candidates are Santhat Siriananpaiboon; Itthiporn Boonprakong; Thawatchai Therdpaothai; Chatchai Chanpraisri; Pakorn Mahannop; Somchai Charnnarongkul; and Pirasak Hinmuangkao.

Mr Surachai said he is unaware of reports that one of the candidates is not qualified and may be rejected by the assembly, noting the scrutiny committee has yet to disclose its report.

In the event that not all seven candidates are endorsed, he said the new EC can assume its responsibilities with at least five of them endorsed by the NLA.

Mr Surachai gave assurances that the lawmakers are free to exercise their judgement.

"The NLA takes the examination of the candidates seriously. We make sure we have the right people picked to supervise the elections," he said.

Deputy Democrat Party leader Nipit Intarasombat, meanwhile, disagreed with a suggestion that potential candidates be approached for the job if any of the finalists are voted down.

According to Mr Nipit, this method would only raise doubts about the EC's transparency and undermine its impartiality in holding the poll.

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