Somchai quits race to head poll watchdog

Somchai quits race to head poll watchdog

Former Election Commission member Somchai Srisutthiyakorn has withdrawn from the race to be selected as the EC's secretary-general. (Post Today photo)
Former Election Commission member Somchai Srisutthiyakorn has withdrawn from the race to be selected as the EC's secretary-general. (Post Today photo)

Former member of the Election Commission (EC) Somchai Srisutthiyakorn said on Sunday he has withdrawn from the race to be selected as the EC's secretary-general.

Mr Somchai said he handed the letter asking to withdraw from the contest to the chairman of the selection committee last week after being informed he was not qualified.

According to Mr Somchai, his previous job as the vice rector of Thammasat University was not considered as an executive post, which is a requirement.

He said he had no intention to lodge an appeal with the Administrative Court regarding the qualifications as that would be a waste of time and delay the selection process further.

"Those in power may not want to see me work at the EC because I am a blunt person and have the courage to criticise what isn't right," he said.

In late March Mr Somchai was removed from the EC under a Section 44 order for "inappropriate" behaviour.

He was criticised for failing to resign as an EC member when applying for the EC's secretary-general post.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (2)