The ban is part of regulations designed for the soon-to-be-formed National People's Assembly (NPA).

Under the 2006 Interim Constitution, the 2,000-member NPA is tasked to conduct a peer vote to name 200 candidates to sit on the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA).

Meechai is in charge of chairing the NPA session for the vote.

Of the 200 candidates, the Council for National Security (CNS) will pick 100 to become CDA members.

Key points in the regulations include:

lNews of the NPA's first meeting will be announced by public broadcasts as well as through individual mail;

lA quorum will require no less than half of the 2,000 seats;

lMeechai is empowered to rule on session proceedings;

lNo debates or any activities designed to solicit votes are allowed;

lThe House Secretariat is designated as the NPA's administrative office and tasked with compiling and distributing the professional profile and qualifications of 2,000 NPA members;

lIt is also in charge of printing ballots for the vote;

lEach NPA member must show identification cards before receiving ballots and casting votes;

lEach ballot must indicate three preferences for CDA members by use of 2B pencils, which will be provided;

lCandidates will be elected in order of votes received. Tied votes will be decided by a draw;

lAll illegible ballots will be declared invalid;

lA 10-member panel will be in charge of ruling on invalid ballots and tallying votes. Meechai is empowered to appoint the panel.

Meanwhile, Amara Pongsapitch, who chairs the qualification verification panel for the NPA candidates, said yesterday she disagreed with a regulation allowing people to vote for members in different groups. She said it would confuse the selection process.

The 2,000 members of the NPA, who represent groups from all walks of life, will vote among themselves for 200 candidates - 100 of which will be picked by the CNS to be the CDA.

Amara said NPA members should just vote for candidates in the same group to be members of the CDA. She would suggest to Meechai today that the rule be revised.

The 20 NPA candidates selected under the CNS quota include Somchai Ruchuphan, who is Meechai's brother, and former attorney-general Khampee Kaewcharoen.