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Published on November 29, 2007

"We have to accept the people's judgement," he said.

Sonthi said a People Power victory, if it occurred, should not be construed as the Sept 2006 coup having failed. "No one knows the outcome of balloting, which has not happened yet. And the coup has changed the situation, to regain the people's trust once again," he said in reference to turmoil before the coup.

He said the interim government had worked hard to restore political normalcy.

The post-election situation would unfold in one of two directions, depending on the outcome - one scenario if the Democrats win and another if People Power wins office, he said.

The people would render their verdict on which scenario they preferred.

He said he would leave it up to the next government to decide if former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra could be invited to become an economic adviser.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said he saw no cause for concern that the country would plunge into chaos after the balloting because of grudges between the rival camps.

"I think people are being too pessimistic," he said. He encouraged all parties to strive for stability, rather than fan animosity.

Meanwhile, Special Branch commissioner Lt-General Rapeepat Palakawong said a leaked police report projecting a People Power victory was not a survey of public sentiment, but an internal assessment circulated among branch units.

Police had no duty to poll public opinion and the report was

not meant for public consumption, he said.

The Nation