NLA votes in approval of final two election commissioners

NLA votes in approval of final two election commissioners

Lertviroj Kowattana, left, and Thitichet Nutchanat.
Lertviroj Kowattana, left, and Thitichet Nutchanat.

The National Legislative Assembly on Thursday voted by majority to approve the appointment of two more election commissioners - Lertviroj Kowattana and Thitichet Nutchanat - filling the final vacancies on the seven-member Election Commission.

Mr Lertviroj, former permanent secretary for agriculture and cooperatives, received 148 votes and Mr Thitichet, adviser to the Lawyers Council, 149. They each needed the support of more than 120 of the 240 assembly members.

The voting was held behind closed doors after members considered reports on the background and behaviour of the two selected candidates.

Eight NLA members abstained for both candidates, 28 members voted against Mr Lertviroj and 27 against Mr Thitichet.

The government must now finalise the appointment process for the two new election commissioners, which will complete the seven-member Election Commission set down by the constitution.

In August the NLA voted for five election commissioners and rejected two nominees.


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