Middle parties disappointed with outcome

ELECTION 2007

Middle parties disappointed with outcome

Election results fall short of projections

POST REPORTERS

Key leaders of many smaller political parties appeared disappointed at the expected results of the election, which saw most of them fall short of their aims.

Chart Thai leader Banharn Silpa-archa was reportedly concerned by projections that his party would not secure the minimum of 40 House seats it had aimed for and that candidate Janista Liewchalermwong was not likely to win a seat in Bangkok's constituency 5, despite being tipped as one of the favourites.

The People Power party (PPP) led by Samak Sundaravej swept all seats in the constituency, according to unofficial results last night.

"There will be no press conference tonight," said Mr Banharn from his home province of Suphan Buri, where he and his family members cast their votes yesterday.

Two key Chart Thai members, deputy leader Somsak Prissananantakul and party member Sanan Kachornprasart, opted to stay at their homes in Ang Thong and Phichit respectively.

Chart Thai deputy leader Veerasak Kowsurat said in Bangkok that his party will only accept the official results from the Election Commission.

A similar mood of disappointment was felt by other parties, including Puea Pandin and Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana.

Puea Pandin leader Suvit Khunkitti postponed a press conference citing that he had an important engagement, leaving only secretary-general Vachara Phanchet at the party headquarters.

Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana party leader Gen Chettha Thanajaro also cancelled a press conference.

No top party members were left at the party head office yesterday evening. Gen Chettha told reporters that he had an appointment with a doctor.

The former army chief admitted he was disappointed with the results, which showed the party would not even manage to secure 10 votes, falling short of the 12 seats the party felt sure it would be able to secure.

"I'm confident the EC would not make any mistakes in the counting," he said.

Gen Chettha said no party had approached Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana to form a government with it and said deputy leader Prapas Limpraphan and secretary-general Pradit Phataraprasit had been assigned to coordinate negotiations with other parties.

Pracharaj leader Sanoh Thienthong remained tight-lipped about the coalition government saying he would wait until the election results were finalised.

Only Democrat chief adviser Chuan Leekpai admitted the defeat as the PPP won the most seats in the contest, which gives it the best chance of forming a new administration.

He attributed the disappointing results to the unpopularity of the Democrats in northern and northeastern provinces, where the party has always struggled to win over voters.