Corruption Watch director David Lewis on Thursday said he was happy with the process of shortlisting the five remaining Public Protector candidates.

Lewis was speaking after the ad hoc committee to appoint the Public Protector met on Thursday to evaluate the candidates.

Judge Sharise Weiner, Judge Siraj Desai, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, Muvhango Lukhaimane and Professor Bongani Majola all made it through to the next round.

Lewis told News24 on Thursday that he was happy with the overall process in selecting the five.

"I think some candidates are definitely stronger than others, but as to the process, I'm okay with it," Lewis said.

"From our perspective, I'm okay with the extent the public has engaged.

"Whoever is appointed would be silly to not take note of the extent to which his or her conduct will come under very close scrutiny."

Some surprise at dismissals

The nine other candidates who failed to make the final shortlist were: Jill Oliphant, Professor Narnia Bohler-Muller, Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh and advocates Kevin Malunga, Mamiki Goodman, Michael Mthembu, Nonkosi Cetywayo, Willie Hofmeyr and Chris Mokoditwa.

Lewis said he was a little surprised by the manner in which some of the nine were dismissed from consideration, with no debate taking place. This included current Deputy Public Protector Kevin Malunga.

"But if all of these parties disagree with some name, and one or two of which they disagreed for different reasons, what is the point of banging your head against the wall.

"After all, this isn't a debating society, it's a decision making body."

Lewis wouldn't be drawn into commenting on any of the candidates' chances.

The committee is due to meet next Wednesday to continue debating the five candidates.