Party-list MPs can move, says EC

Somchai gave his legal interpretation of relevant organic laws on elections and on political parties in the wake of Tuesday's verdict to dissolve People Power, Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties.

The question was raised whether MPs who were elected based on proportionate votes allocated to parties, could adopt a new party's banner like their counterparts elected by direct constituency votes.

Somchai said under accepted principles, the legal interpretation should be favourable and practical to the MPs concerned.

MPs, both from proportionate and direct votes, were vetted by voters based on individual and party credentials, he said. Therefore, party-list MPs should be accorded the same treatment as that applicable to their constituency counterparts.

He urged parties concerned to stop picking on frivolous issues like the status of party-list MPs.

In another development, City Clerk Pongsakti Semsan said balloting for the Bangkok gubernatorial race and the byelection to fill a vacant House seat for Bangkok Constituency 10 will take place on January 11.

Voters in Constituency 10 (covering Rat Burana, Thung Khru, Bang Khun Thian and Bang Bon) will each cast two votes, - one for the position of Bangkok governor and another for MP.

Eligible voters for the byelection must reside in the constituency for more than 90 days. And those voting in the local elections must live in the capital for more than a year.