The Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) chairman said it was still unclear when the next election would take place, but he confirmed that it would be held in the 12 months following the promulgation of the new constitution.

The charter draft was endorsed in a referendum last August and submitted for royal endorsement in early November. His Majesty the King’s observations in regard to the monarchy were then made and delivered via Privy Council members to the government.

The amended charter draft was later submitted by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha for royal endorsement on February 17. The King has 90 days to decide whether to endorse the amended draft or not.

Once the new charter takes effect, the CDC will forward organic bills concerned with the election and the composition of MPs and Senate, to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) for deliberation. The legislature will then have 60 days to pass the bills before presenting them to the King, who has 30 days to consider them.

The CDC chairman pointed out that the election must be organised within 150 days of the enactment of the new Election Act.