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Members of the House of Representatives will have to exercise judgement wisely when nominating a new prime minister after the Constitution Court ruled that Samak Sundaravej must stand down for violating the Constitution's prohibition of private employment.

After the court ruling on Tuesday, the public is anxious about how its representatives will choose the new leader amid the current political turbulence. If members of Parliament choose a person who is widely perceived as serving the interests of the country, the decision will be accepted and there might be light at the end of the tunnel. However, if MPs choose someone who fails to earn the respect of the public, they will simply provoke further political trouble, which will leave the current mess beyond any possibility of quick repair.

The protests against Samak by certain groups in society were the result of the allegation that he was acting as a proxy of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Thus, the new premier will have to prove that he is independent and will truly serve the public interest.

When the court delivered the historic ruling on Tuesday, some people expected that the heated political atmosphere would calm down, albeit temporarily. However, the decision by the House will be much more crucial in determining the outcome of the current political mire.

Upon learning of the court's ruling on Tuesday, House Speaker Chai Chidchob quickly announced the urgent parliamentary assembly, scheduled for tomorrow. The quick move is an understandable attempt by the People Power Party to maintain its advantage.

Politicians are being lobbied on the choice of the new premier. It is not clear if the new coalition will be made up of the core of the old coalition parties. The PPP, at present, seems to have the political edge, and it is likely to nominate one of its own members in order to maintain its grip on power.

The names of three possible candidates have already been mentioned: Somchai Wongsawat, Surapong Suebwonglee and Sompong Amornwiwat. However, Somchai and Surapong might become targets of the People's Alliance for Democracy for their close connections to Thaksin.

Banharn Silapa-archa, leader of the Chart Thai Party, has asked the PPP to negotiate with the other coalition parties on the nomination of the new premier before Chart Thai makes its choice.

However, on the opposition side, Sathit Wongnongtoei of the Democrat Party has asked the House speaker to postpone the House session to name the new premier. He wants more time for lawmakers to study information, especially the details of the court ruling. The Democrats naturally want more time to convince other parties to support a candidate from within the Democrat camp.

In spite of the uncertainty over the choice of the new premier, the political lobbying is welcome, as it is part of the parliamentary system. The public has become weary of the political situation and wants the mess sorted out soon. The recent violence should be all the evidence we need that this fiasco should end now.

Now, the ball is back in Parliament's court. It must decide - and its MPs should exercise their judgement wisely so as not to disappoint or antagonise constituents, who are placing all their hopes on this House decision.

If the House fails to show that it can offer a solution, society will run into deeper divisions and the situation may deteriorate to the point where no one even listens to each other.