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The search for a PM will have a direct bearing on how well and how soon the country can overcome the political turmoil, and it is naïve to assume that Samak's exit might be a breakthrough for resolution of the conflict.

A change of government, resulting from the judicial decision to disqualify Samak on Tuesday, is merely the first step that offers a glimmer of hope to end the political unrest. This is no time to rejoice as the opposing camps are still fighting their war with no key battle won yet.

The country will remain trapped in the political quagmire until a negotiated settlement with the opposition movement led by the People's Alliance for Democracy can be achieved.

Under one probable scenario, the People Power Party is pushing to reinstate Samak. The chance of this happening seems to diminish by the hour, but if the main coalition party feels cornered, it may have no choice but to back Samak all the way, regardless of the dire consequences.

The bottom line is the party wants to retain its six-party coalition alliance. To achieve this, it appears willing to make sacrifices. This leads to another scenario promoting Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa as prime minister.

Because of leaks on Sunday, Banharn has faced intense pressure to back down, although his leadership of the coalition government remains a distinct possibility. His political stature is seen as superior to other candidates like Sompong Amornwiwat and Somchai Wongsawat from the People Power Party.

If either one of the two scenarios comes to reality - be it Samak reinstated or Banharn chosen - then the prospects of pacifying the street protests would be very daunting.

Under the circumstances, the country has limited options to put politics back on course. The ultimate goal of the People's Alliance for Democracy is to revamp the electoral system, but no headway in any negotiations would be possible unless street protests stop.

If lawmakers put aside their partisan interests, they might be able to realise that Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva is the most qualified leader at this juncture to pacify street protests, hence paving the way for a negotiated settlement.

The leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy appear reluctant to accept Abhisit's leadership but they too have limited choices and might have to make do with the leader they know rather than one they despise.

The switch in the coalition alliance in favour of the Democrats might be a wise choice that lawmakers could make under the circumstances. If Abhisit is elected as prime minister, the sooner the country could put the ugly chapter of street protests behind it. Abhisit is not expected to fix everything but at least he might be able to drill some sense into everyone and restore a certain degree of peace.

None of the parties concerned anticipate the next government will last very long. Powerful factions of the People Power Party have already replenished their coffers, gearing for an early election.

The next government, under whoever emerges as prime minister, is destined to complete just one daunting task - end street protests in order to return the mandate to the people so that they can chart their future.