BANGKOK – Thailand’s third prime ministerial vote, which was scheduled for tomorrow, has been postponed until further notice, announced Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha.
A vote for prime minister was scheduled for tomorrow following the failure of Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s bids for the post on July 13 and 19.
However, on Monday, the Office of the Ombudsman petitioned the Constitutional Court to delay the vote until the court rules on the matter.
Wan Muhamad Noor said the postponement was after consulting legal officials and his advisers due to legal uncertainties.
On Monday, the Office of the Ombudsman announced it has petitioned the Constitutional Court to postpone tomorrow’s vote for a new prime minister until it rules on the legality of the parliamentary vote to deny the renomination of Pita.
Local media reported that the joint sitting for a prime ministerial vote may be added back to the parliamentary agenda following the Constitutional Court’s decision.
As the political deadlock drags on more than two months after the May 14 general election, Thailand has still not elected its new prime minister.
Pheu Thai, the second largest party in the coalition with 141 seats, is now leading the coalition of eight parties in the bid to form a government.
Pheu Thai takes over the responsibility after Pita failed to muster enough support on July 13 to be elected as the new prime minister. A procedural vote six days later ruled that he could not be nominated a second time, ending Pita’s quest to be prime minister.
On July 19, the Constitutional Court ordered a temporary suspension of Pita as a MP. – Bernama, July 26, 2023
