Parliament starts PM vote

A joint sitting of the House of Representatives and the Senate started voting on the prime ministerial candidacy of Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat at about 4pm on Thursday.

The voting process followed a debate on the qualifications of Mr Pita, the sole candidate.

Parliamentarians mainly discussed controversies concerning the intention of the MFP to change Section 112, or the lese majeste law, and Mr Pita’s shareholding in iTV plc. The constitution bans any media organisation shareholder from running in a general election.

Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha adjourned the debate at 3.52pm. He praised parliamentarians for their cooperation in the session, which let the debate conclude one hour earlier than planned.

The session saw 676 out of 749 parliamentarians (one senator resigned on Wednesday) confirming their attendance for the vote, and they included 216 senators.

Mr Pita would require a majority vote of 375 out of 749 to secure the prime minister’s position.

Supporters of the Move Forward Party gather near the parliament on Thursday. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)

Source – Bangkok News