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Published on September 2, 2007

Democrat Party chief adviser Chuan Leekpai yesterday urged the government to step up an awareness campaign against money politics in order to ensure a free and fair vote in December's general election.

"PM's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan should mobilise media outlets under his supervision to raise awareness on vote-buying and other electoral cheating," the former prime minister said.

Chuan said he deemed it necessary to educate voters on the adverse effects of money politics.

For the past five years, the Thaksin Shinawatra administration fed its one-sided views on populist policies to the people, who now need intensive convincing to change their perception, he said.

In the four months ahead of the general election, authorities at every level should devote full attention to preventing tampering with the electoral process, he added.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said he was confident voters could chart the country's future course.

"I am not worrying about a return to power by the ousted government after the general election because voters can form their judgement," he said.

He voiced optimism that an elected government would not face a difficult transition after taking office.

"My government has not completed every task it intended to do, but at least managed to tidy up the situation in the wake of a crisis," he said.

He added that though the next government might be a coalition of several parties, this should not be construed as a sign of instability, arguing that several countries, such as Malaysia and Japan, are success stories of coalition rule.

Junta chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said martial law in some 35 provinces would remain enforced on grounds of security. "Security provisions are meant for bad people and have nothing to do with good people and electoral campaigning," he said.

Democrat Party deputy leader Alongkorn Pollabutr said his party was satisfied with a Ramkhamhaeng University Poll indicating that party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva had emerged the top choice to lead the next government.

"Abhisit and the Democrats are ready to form a coalition with Chat Thai and Mahachon parties after winning the people's mandate," he said.