The CDA also elected Seri Suwanpanont and Decho Sawanononwas as the first and second deputies of CDA chairman respectively.

Before his election, Noranit admitted that he was under pressure to have the constitution drafting completed in just 180 days.

"But it could be done if the CDA members help one another," Noranit said.

Noranit won the post after two other nominees - Sawat Chotepanich, a former election commissioner, and Charan Phakdee Thanakul, withdrew themselves from the contest.

Sawat told reporters before the CDA meeting that he would not contend for the post because he saw that he would be able to contribute to constitution drafting better as an ordinary CDA member.

"I pledge to live up to the expectations of my fellow CDA members and the public in ensuring that the drafting of new constitution would be acceptable to all sides and completed on time," Noranit said in his vision statement before the election.

Noranit expressed optimism that the charter writing process would reach a successful conclusion inspite of the time constraints. The new constitution must be unveiled within the 180day deadline.

He urged political parties to get involved in the drafting process by submitting their recommendations on democratic rule. "I don't think the existing ban for party gatherings is an obstacle for soliciting and airing opinions on proposed charter provisions," he said.

He also called on his CDA members to carefully pick their preferences ahead of the upcoming vote to name 25 charter writers. The vote is expected to take place within a week.

After his election Noranit, said he would give priority to public inputs in the charter drafting and there would be special committees for provinces so that provincial people could air their opinions in drafting the constitution.

As well as being secretary-general of King Prajadhipok's Institute, Noranit has held several other important posts including dean of the political science faculty at Thammasat University, where he also served as rector.

Political commentators also believe that Noranit has the support of those in power because his name was mentioned when the process to select the CDA candidates started.

Before and after the September 19 coup, Noranit held several seminars to brainstorm how to improve the constitution.

Being the chairman of the CDA, Noranit is wearing two hats in the dual-track reform of the country. That is, he also chairs a government-appointed committee tasked with planning how to set up the Political Development Institute.  The institute will take charge of developing political parties and civil society's participation in politics.

Born on November 16, 1941 Noranit got a bachelor's degree from Thammasat University's Faculty of Political Science in 1963.

He got a master degree in diplomacy and world affairs from Occidental College, U.S.A in 1970 and a master degree in Comparative Politics from Columbia University in 1975.

He used to be the director of Graduate School, Thammasat University in 1976 and 1977 and dean of Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University bet in 1978 and 1979.

He was a president of the Association of Civil Servants between 1990-1992, a senator between March-June 1992, a member of the poll Watch Committee of the General Election in 1992, rector of Thammasat University between 1991 -1994 and an advisor of the Standing Committee of the Parliament on Foreign Affairs in 1992.

The Nation