Bangkok (VNA) – The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) of Thailand passed the House of Representatives election bill and the Senate selection bill on March 8.

They are the two last among the four bills related to Thailand’s election passed by the NLA. The approval marks an important milestone completing preparations for the election since the new Constitution became effective in April 2017.

The House of Representatives election bill received 211 “yes” votes with seven abstentions whereas the Senate selection bill was approved with 202 supporting votes against one opposition and 13 abstentions.

On January 25, the NLA approved a bill regarding the timing of the enforcement of the House of Representatives election bill and the Senate selection bill, resulting in the delay of the general election from November 2018 to February 2019.

The two bills will be submitted to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and, if within five days after the acceptance of the bills by the premier, no parties ask for either or two of the bills to be sent to the Constitutional Court for interpretation, the bills will be forwarded to the King for approval within 20 days.

The Thai junta has postponed the general election several times since it came to power following a coup in 2014.-VNA