Ljubljana - The National Assembly voted on Thursday to relieve Constitutional Court judge Marijan Pavčnik of his duties after he asked the court that his nine-year term end early. Pavčnik will thus end his term on 31 December this year.

Once President Borut Pahor is formally notified by the National Assembly that Pavčnik was relieved of his duties, he will issue a new call for applications.

Pahor's office said that the president intends to complete the nomination procedure in time to allow the National Assembly to appoint a new judge before the end of 2022.

Judge Pavčnik took office in March 2017 and would serve out his single nine-year term in 2026.

He asked the Constitutional Court to be relieved of his duties on 16 May, while at the same time proposing that his term end at the end of the year.

No reason for his decision was provided.