Political analysts believe that Noranit stands a better chance of winning the position because of his academic background, a source said. 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.

Sawat was president of the Supreme Court and has a reputation for being honest and clean. He turned his back on the Assets Examination Committee after reports of conflicts with Auditor-General Jaruvan Maintaka.

Noranit has been the favourite to win the post from the beginning, with Sawat lagging far behind in the reckoning.

Both have the necessary seniority for the post, but in comparing their working style, Noranit seems to stand a better chance because of his flexible personality and his diplomatic approach that enables him to mediate agreements between those holding very different opinions.

Unlike Noranit, Sawat has the reputation of sticking to his stance and refusing to bend. He is also highly confident in himself. The Council for National Security sought to have him in the AEC after it seized power in the coup. Many believe that Sawat is not appropriate for the post because the chairman of the CDA needs to bring about compromise between different groups.

"This type of job needs a political scientist who can bring reconciliation rather than a judge who decides what is right and wrong,'' one observer said.

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. His chance to win today's vote remains strong.

Former 1997 constitution drafters Decho Sawanonont and Seri Suwanpanont are expected to win deputy chairman posts because of their experience in constitution drafting.

Seri said he had never heard himself mentioned as a favourite for the deputy's post, but he was ready to take the job if the other CDA members believed in him.

Constitution drafter Chirmsak Pinthong proposed that the CDA establish a committee comprising more than ten CDA members to note the intention of the constitution. This would prevent any misinterpretation of the intention of the constitution.

"It happened with the 1997 constitution. The Constitution Court interpreted the constitution in one way but the true intention that the drafters wanted was something different,'' he said.

Sathian Wiriyapanpongsa

The Nation