NLA to submit clarifications on senator bill

National Legislative Assembly (NLA) member Kitti Wasinont said his group is preparing to submit additional information to the Constitutional Court regarding its petition for a ruling on the constitutionality of the organic bill on the selection of senators.

The NLA voted to pass the bill on March 8. However, Mr Kitti was among 30 legislators who questioned whether some of the draft law content could be against the charter.

The court has asked for answers concerning the division of the candi- dates and allowing both candidates who apply independently and those nominated by eligible agencies, which underwent changes during the drafting process.

The deadline for the submission of the clarification is April 18, he said, adding that he believes the process will not affect the schedule for an election in February 2019.

The organic laws on the election of MPs and the selection of senators are among the 10 organic bills required by the constitution to be passed prior to an election. The constitution, promulgated on April 6 last year, requires that MP elections are held within 150 days of the organic law coming into effect.

The bill — which was earlier thought not to need vetting by the charter court — has already been forwarded to the premier who was to present it to the King for royal endorsement.

However, the NLA made an about-turn last week when it agreed the bill should be checked by the court. The petition was signed by 27 lawmakers questioning whether some aspects such as the punishment for those who fail to vote, and allowances for proxies to help people with disabilities to vote, are against the charter.