Under the circumstances, it's likely that Prasong will come out ahead.

Prasong is among the 10 people handpicked by the Council for National Security (CNS) to join the CDC, while Charan was one of the 25 people selected by Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA).

Political observers believe that CNS is backing Prasong since he has failed to land several powerful posts.

After he was picked by the CNS for the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), he was a candidate for the body's chairmanship but lost out to Meechai Ruchuphan.

Then he was beaten by Purachai Piumsomboon to head the NLA's standing committee on police affairs.

Recently it was rumoured he would be named a deputy prime minister for security matters, but the CNS and key government members shot down the speculation.

Prapan Khunmee, Prasong's close aide, pointed out that Prasong was more qualified than Charan to lead the CDC. He has more experience and knowledge for the top post while Charan is more suitable to be the CDC's secretary, who will also play an important role, he said.

Prapan has been lobbying hard for Prasong as chairman.

Some pro-democracy groups have opposed Prasong, saying he is unfit due to his political record. Charan is more straightforward and harbours no hidden agenda, they say.

Prasong's involvement in last year's anti-Thaksin movement might not do him any good either since it could undermine the integrity of the charter-drafting process.

While Prasong may have some drawbacks, his strength lies in political manoeuvring, which will prove useful in dealing with the ongoing political gamesmanship.

The CDC chairman also has to have a charismatic personality to ensure that the new charter is endorsed by the public in a plebiscite due to be held by end of the year.

Some observers said the adoption of the 1997 constitution had gone relatively smoothly because Anand Panyarachun, the chairman of the framing committee, was really inspirational when the "green-flag" campaign was used to rally widespread public support for the charter.

It's also possible Charan will step aside if Prasong goes for the CDC chair, as he did for the CDA chair, when he yielded to Noranit Setabutr.

On the other hand, if Charan does not withdraw - and it is highly unlikely he will - he will still stand a chance of winning tomorrow's vote.

In the last vote for CDC membership, Charan scored the highest among the first batch of 25 drafters.

Some CDA members would also prefer to see Charan guiding the CDC rather than a CNS nominee.

For Charan's supporters the main plus is that he is a highly competent bureaucrat with a sound vision of democracy and well versed in law.

Somroutai Sapsomboon

 The Nation