"It is now possible that all major parties will enter into a ratification endorsing a transparent electoral process and political reform," party deputy leader Bhokin Bhalakula said yesterday.

Bhokin said he received a positive response to the idea at a seminar organised by King Prajadhipok's Institute that was also attended by leaders of other major parties. The ruling party's proposed agreement on conduct for the upcoming election bars buying of votes or malicious attacks against rival candidates, Bhokin said.

The constitutional amendments would be completed in a year, paving the way for an improved system of checks and balances and less stringent requirements for censuring the prime minister, he said.

He said Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva had a agreed to a tentative blueprint for political reforms.

"Political parties should join hands and try to restore the public's confidence in politics," he said.

Political leaders have reached a verbal agreement on the main issues in the political reforms although they still have to work out the details for a written agreement, he said.

The ruling party would heed proposals from other parties on the reforms, he said.

Democrat Party spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon said Bhokin was trying to play up the Thai Rak Thai as spearheading political reforms.

All political parties are already committed to implement the reforms, so it was unnecessary to sign a ratification document, Ong-art said.

In another development, Thai Rak Thai Party leader Thaksin Shinwatra said he had not met his deputy Somkid Jatusripitak after reports surfaced that he would not run as a party-list candidate and hence would not comment the matter.

Thaksin also said he would unveil his party's electoral candidates after the new Election Commission assumes office.

The Senate is expected to vote on the appointment of five election commissioners today.