An online poll shows 100% of respondents support a bid by some NLA members to seek legal amendments to nullify the selection of poll inspectors -- a move which could further delay the general election expected early next year.
The Secretariat of the Senate, which serves as the NLA's secretariat, is gathering public opinion on the issue on its website www.senate.go.th.
As of Thursday, all of about 6,800 people who expressed opinions on the website voiced support for the proposed amendments which will effectively scrap the entire process, saying selection may be open to political interference, according to the secretariat.
A group of 36 NLA members recently submitted a motion seeking to amend provisions relating to the selection of poll inspectors under the law governing the Election Commission (EC) to the NLA president. Politicians condemned the move, saying it was another tactic to further delay the election expected in February next year, although Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha insisted the election roadmap remains unchanged.
Gen Prayut said he discussed the matter with EC chairman Supachai Somcharoen and that the commission will thrash out any differences with the NLA soon.
Gen Prayut insisted that the issue would not affect the election roadmap.
NLA vice president Surachai Liangboonlertchai said it was unfair and premature to accuse the NLA of trying to delay the poll further. The motion seeking the amendments will have to undergo several legal procedures before the assembly can decide whether to endorse it.
The NLA members concerned are said to be unhappy with the outgoing election commissioners who earlier this month started selecting 616 poll inspectors. It is alleged that some of the inspectors lack experience and have political affiliations.
A source close to the NLA said some lawmakers are concerned that the inspectors have political connections and that their independence and impartiality may be compromised.
However, addressing the issue by amending the organic law is considered excessive and uncalled for, which could also further delay the election and make the government a target of criticism, according to the source.
The proposal that the outgoing commissioners delay endorsing the poll inspectors is a more feasible option, said the source.
Legal amendments take much time to be approved and implemented because the amendment bill must undergo a public hearing process under Section 77 of the charter and be reviewed by the Constitutional Court.
With senator selection and the general election only months away, time is not on the EC's side, so lawmakers should not now contemplate amending the organic law on the EC, according to the source.
Poll inspectors help the EC monitor elections across the country and each province can have between five and eight inspectors.
Replacing provincial election chiefs, poll inspectors are tasked with investigating poll complaints and forwarding them to the EC for consideration which can result in suspension of elections and change an election outcome in any given constituency.