No one has applied to be an election commissioner

Not one application had been filed for the position of election commissioner as of Wednesday, six days after applications opened.

Surachai Liengboonlertchai, vice president of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), said on Wednesday that the selection committee would look into the reason for the apparent lack of interest, and find a solution. The period for applications could be extended beyond the current Nov 10, he said.

Mr Surachai said the qualifications for candidates were set high to ensure the country has good commissioners who would guarantee fair and transparent elections.

Candidates were required to have been professors for at least five years, or have served in the civil service at the position of at least director-general or head of a government office for at least five years, or be a certificated professional of at least 20 years standing, or have been a senior executive of a public company for at least 10 years, or have worked in the civil sector for at least 20 years.

The selection committee comprises the presidents of the Supreme Court, the NLA and the Supreme Administrative Court, along with representatives of the Constitutional Court, the Ombudsman and the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

Shortlisted candidates will be proposed to the NLA for approval. There are seven positions to be filled.

The organic law on the Election Commission is already in effect. The five previous election commissioners are deemed caretakers until replaced by the new commissioners.