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Published on December 27, 2007

The People Power Party remained upbeat yesterday that it would eventually convince the Chart Thai and Puea Pandin parties to join the coalition alliance.

"Two main reasons for the reluctance to team up are Chart Thai's pre-election commitment to an alliance with the Democrats and its requirements for work," People Power spokesman Kuthep Saikrajang said in an interview with Channel 9.

Kuthep said his party would need time to negotiate the allocation of Cabinet seats with Chart Thai.

He was optimistic the negotiations would be a success because he believed Chart Thai and Puea Pandin would reach their decisions without being influenced by interference from the Democrats.

Kuthep said the party already had the backing of three small parties, Pracharaj, Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana and Matchima Thipataya.

The three won a total of 21 seats which gives the People Power-led coalition a majority of 254, more than the 247 that the Democrats could drum up, he said.

He urged the Election Commission to proceed with caution on its review of electoral fraud.

"My party welcomes the new round of voting if this will lead to a free and fair election but if the number of disqualifications increases without justification, this might be construed as an attempt to disrupt the coalition formation," he said.

Kuthep said he was confident the disqualified People Power candidates would win the revote because voters cast their ballots for the party .

Two party leaders, Banharn Silapa-archa of Chart Thai and Suwit Khunkitti of Puea Pandin, repeated their joint stand that they would finalise their decision after reviewing the final results following the disqualifications.

"There might be good news when the situation becomes clearer by January 3," Banharn said.

He ruled out speculation that Chart Thai and Puea Pandin MPs might vote against the party line in order to endorse the People Power-led coalition.