Thailand's parliament has decided the leader of the election-winning Move Forward Party cannot be re-nominated as a candidate for prime minister. Pita Limjaroenrat was expected to run in the second round of voting on Wednesday, after failing to secure a majority in last week's vote.

The parliament passed a motion before the poll. It indicated that Pita was not eligible for the second round of voting. The motion was submitted by conservative lawmakers, who said a second nomination would violate regulations.

That means Pita cannot be the candidate for the Move Forward Party. The eight opposition parties will now nominate a candidate from the second largest Pheu Thai Party.

The country's constitutional court ruled earlier on Wednesday that Pita should be temporarily suspended from his duties as a member of parliament.

The MFP leader allegedly held shares in a media company, which the constitution prohibits for candidates.

Pita's Move Forward Party has campaigned with a pledge to amend the law that makes it illegal to defame the country's royal family. It's also insisted to remove the military's influence in politics. But conservative lawmakers, including the Senate selected under the military government, have responded sharply to such changes.