Thailand's election watchdog has endorsed Yingluck Shinawatra as an MP, clearing the way for her to become the country's first female prime minister. The Election Commission has dismissed a series of complaints that she committed electoral violations.

Several of Yingluck's opponents had lodged complaints with the commission alleging she allowed banned politicians to play a role in her campaign. The commission also cleared outgoing Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, the leader of the defeated Democrat Party, of alleged vote-buying, allowing him to play a role in the parliamentary opposition.

The commission certified 12 winners in total on Tuesday, taking the number of approved lawmakers to 370. It will meet on Thursday to discuss the other pending cases. A total of 475 lawmakers must be endorsed in order for parliament to hold its first session before August 2nd, as required by the constitution.