Not yet a done deal
December 27, 2007
From left: Prasert Chantraruangthong, Linda Cherdchai and Boonlert Krutkhuntod are the first three candidates to be yellow-carded by the Election Commission. The three, who ran under the People Power party’s banner, emerged as unofficial winners in Nakhon Ratchasima’s constituency 3 on Sunday. They are to be investigated by the EC on suspicion of poll fraud but still have the right to contest by-elections in the same constituency.
It still seems almost inevitable that the PPP will be able to form to the next government, but it may not be as smooth as some people expect. The fact that the party was unable to win an absolute majority in parliament is one stumbling block and the Election Commission (EC) may be another. Yesterday, the EC gave out its first yellow cards to PPP candidates and it is likely that others will follow. Red cards will be more important, however, since yellow-carded candidates still have a good chance of winning their seats in by-elections.
The story details who has been yellow-carded and why. It also brings us up-to-date on how the attempt at forming a new coalition government is coming along.
done deal – a finished agreement
candidate – a person who is trying to be elected ผู้สมัครรับเลือกตั้ง
under the People Power party’s banner – as representatives of the PPP ลงสมัครในนามพรรคพลังประชาชน
emerged – became known เป็นที่รู้โดยทั่วกัน
poll fraud – the crime of cheating in an election กระทำการทุจริตการเลือกตั้ง
constituency – a district that elects its own representative to parliament เขตเลือกตั้ง
inevitable – certain to happen อย่างเลี่ยงไม่ได้
absolute majority – more than half the total number ข้างมาก, ส่วนใหญ่
stumbling block – something which prevents action or agreement เป็นอุปสรรค
by-election – an election that happens at a different time from a main election การเลือกตั้งซ่อม
coalition government – a government formed by two or more political parties working together รัฐบาลหลายพรรค
EC books three PPP candidates
Poll agency begins giving yellow cardsPOST REPORTERS
The
People Power party’s fears came true yesterday when three
elected PPP candidates in Nakhon Ratchasima were yellow-carded on
suspicion of cheating at the polls on Sunday.The Election Commission (EC) is expected to announce more candidate punishments within days.
Prasert Chantraruangthong, Linda Cherdchai and Boonlert Krutkhuntod, who won in constituency 3 in the northeastern province, were yellow-carded after they were caught with cash and a list of eligible voters, said election commissioner Sodsri Sattayatham.
The EC is expected to target more PPP election winners, including three in Lampang’s constituency 1, one in Buri Ram’s constituency 4 and two in Si Sa Ket’s constituency 1.
Two Democrat candidates in Nakhon Si Thammarat’s constituency 4 are also expected to be punished by the EC.
They will be summoned soon by the election organisers, but it remains unclear if they will receive yellow or red cards.
Yellow-carded candidates can contest by-elections set for Jan 13. But red-carded candidates will be barred — as will their parties — from competing.
Election commissioner Somchai Jungprasert said red-card disqualifications will be announced in the next 15 days.
PPP deputy secretary-general Yongyuth Tiyapairat demanded fairness from the EC and said the world community would be surprised if his party, which had won 233 seats, could not form the next government.
Other parties would join a PPP-led coalition unless they were ‘‘forced at gunpoint’’ not to, he said.
But Mr Somchai insisted the EC would base its decisions on facts.
eligible voters – people who have the right to vote in an election ผู้มีสิทธิ์เลือกตั้ง
summoned – officially ordered to come or be present at a particular place ถูกเรียกตัว ถูกเรียกให้มารายงานตัว
barred – officially not allowed to do something ถูกตัดสิทธิ
at gunpoint – in a situation where someone is pointing a gun at you ถูกบังคับ
insisted – firmly stated that something is true or must be done ยืนกราน
Believing the PPP was far from forming a new government, Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban called on the PPP to confirm its success.
He said PPP leader Samak Sundaravej and PPP secretary-general Surapong Suebwonglee were only ‘‘advertising’’ their attempts to form the next government rather than really forging an alliance with other parties.
Trying to woo partners, Mr Suthep said his party would not demand any ministries in particular.
‘‘If the Democrat party has a chance to be the government, it will not hold out for any ministry in particular, especially the Transport Ministry.
‘‘It only wants all parties to accept its people agenda and let Mr Abhisit be prime minister. The party may keep the defence portfolio though,’’ he said.
Mr Surapong countered the Democrats, announcing that the PPP will form a government with Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana, Matchimathipataya and Pracharaj. The four-party government would have 254 seats.
The leaders of the four parties would hold a press conference on Jan 3, or the day after the poll results are approved by the EC, he said.
Mr Surapong said the Chart Thai and Puea Pandin parties still have time to make their final decisions, but the PPP would go ahead with or without them.
Puea Pandin leader Suvit Khunkitti denied his party had officially discussed forming a coalition government with the PPP and Chart Thai.
However, a Puea Pandin source said Mr Suvit was siding with the PPP, but de facto key figure Surakiart Sathirathai had advised he wait for the disqualification of election cheats.
challenged – questioned whether something was true ท้าทาย
unveil – to make known to the public เปิดเผย
lure – to persuade someone to do something by offering them something exciting or attractive ล่อลวง
rival – opponent; competitor คู่แข่ง
forging – making or producing, especially with some difficulty พยายามจัดตั้ง
alliance – a group of political parties, organisation, countries, etc. who have agreed to work together because of shared interests or aims สมัครพรรคพวก พันธมิตร
woo – to try to persuade someone to support you เกี้ยว เชิญชวน
hold out for – to wait until you get what you want รอคอย
agenda – a list of aims or possible future achievements วาระ
defence portfolio – control over the Ministry of Defence นั่้งเก้าอี้กลาโหม
counter – to react to something with an opposing opinion or action เผชิญหน้า
siding with – supporting one person or group in a disagreement or competition เข้าข้าง
de facto – existing in fact, although not necessarily legal or accepted