Election: Democrat dilemma
Dilemma: a situation where every choice creates new problems. Democrats must choose between an undemocratic election boycott and contesting an election they will likely lose
Dilemma: a situation where every choice creates new problems. Democrats must choose between an undemocratic election boycott and contesting an election they will likely lose
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Abhisit Vejjajiva (right), former Democrat Party leader, confers with former deputy Juti Krairiksh at a two-day special general assembly yesterday in Bangkok. Mr Abhisit will probably be re-elected as the leader of the party today, while Mr Juti is tipped to become secretary-general. THITI WANNAMONTHA
Democrats mired in poll dilemma
Nattaya Chetchotiros
Manop Thip-Osod
ANALYSIS: Opposition fears public backlash if it boycotts election, but knows it will lose seats if it runs
The Democrat Party's new executive committee will face a tough decision on whether to contest the Feb 2 general election.
The lineup of the new, larger 35-member executive committee, which will be in charge of reforming and restructuring the party, will be unveiled today at the party's general assembly. Abhisit Vejjajiva is strongly tipped to remain as leader.
The general feeling is the Democrats are more than likely to boycott the poll because it could be less damaging. The party might lose some seats if it runs.
Some Democrat supporters in the party's traditional strongholds of Bangkok and the South look set to support the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) led by Suthep Thaugsuban which is pressing for "reforms before elections".
Without these voters, the Democrat Party can hardly retain its seats. Its chances of victory in other regions are also slim.
Mr Suthep told protesters at Democracy Monument last night that the PDRC does not agree with the Feb 2 election and would "do everything" to express its opposition to it.
"We will not agree with an election unless current rules and regulations are changed, otherwise the old group of politicians under the 'Thaksin regime' will regain power again," he said.
"I want to make it clear we do not oppose an election. We want it postponed until reforms take place," he said.
You can read the full, much longer, analysis here: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/385178/dems-mired-in-poll-dilemma
สามารถฝึกอ่านออกเสียงและดูคำแปลได้ที่ : http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/385261/election-democrat-dilemma
