The existence of a provincial committee has proved to be essential and helpful over the past three years that this Election Commission has been in office, he said.

However, he said, there are ways the jurisdiction of the committee can be changed. For instance, it can be removed from having a role in the investigation process, their commanding power can be taken away and they can be left only with the authority to arrange an election, he said.

In addition he said, the committee’s source of income comes from its meeting allowance and not monthly salaries.

However, Supachai said he could not possibly compare the committee with the newly introduced electoral inspectors because they have not been put in place yet.

Supachai said the EC would submit its observations to the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) and the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) for consideration, adding that the agency was willing to comply no matter how the law turns out eventually.

The EC president added that he was satisfied the new organic law allowed EC officials to carry out their work on criminal cases.

However, he declined to comment on the controversial rule on qualifications of EC commissioners – which could disqualify current members and force them out of office – because he is a stakeholder and there is a conflict of interest.

The CDC last week launched a newly written organic law on the EC in line with the new charter’s stipulations. The law lays out new rules and regulations for the agency including wiping out the provincial committee and new qualification requirements for the central EC members.

Marking its third year in office, the commission called a press conference yesterday to share its achievements so far.

Taking office late 2013 when the country was in deep political conflict, this EC was not able to successfully arrange an election, Supachai said. However, he said, the National Council for Peace and Order had faith in the agency.

He explained that though the agency did not have a chance to organise an election, it has played a part in building a better understanding of democracy and participation among the people.

Supachai said the agency played a key role in holding a national referendum that was found acceptable by all parties, adding that it also contributed to setting out new rules on laws for the agency, political parties, the Senate and MPs.

Supachai added that the agency would be entering its fourth year with preparations to organise a general election. The EC is working to boost transparency and facilitate voters in order to encourage them to exercise their rights, he said.

He added that the EC was writing guidelines for the next election, which the government has promised to hold next year.