That was because a number of them held differing opinions about whether it was worthwhile.

Caretaker Ubon Ratchathani Senator Nirun Phitakwatchara said yesterday he agreed a petition be submitted to His Majesty the King. But it should focus on alleged bloc voting in the Senate.

He said every selection of independent organisations had suffered from this.

Caretaker Bangkok Senator Seree Suwanpanont had not dis?cussed the matter with colleagues and was unaware of the source of stories about a challenge.

He did not agree with a chal?lenge to the voting for the election commissioners. He said their selection was carried out correct?ly and according to the Constitution.

However, suspected bloc voting could harm the image of the new commission.

Another caretaker Bangkok Senator Wallop Tangkananurak neither acknowledged nor agreed with a petition. The public had been waiting for a new Election Commission and one had been selected. He believed it would be independent. Nobody should obstruct its progress.

Caretaker senators from Sakon Nakhon and Buri Ram Winyu Urankul and Karoon Sai-ngam said the reports may be rumours. There had been no discussion among senators about a petition.

There had been many denials of the reports.

The petition story was revealed by a senator who wished not to be named.

Bancha Khaengkhan

Budsarakham Sinlapalavan

The Nation