New Politics Party Leader Somsak Challenges NPP Poll Boycott

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Somsak challenges NPP poll boycott

By SOMROUTAI SAPSOMBOON

THE NATION

New Politics Party leader Somsak Kosaisuk is pushing for the party to overturn the recent decision taken at its general meeting not to contest the upcoming general elections.

He is expected to seek support from the party's executive committee to reverse the decision when the board convenes tomorrow, according to a party source.

Somsak's latest move is part of his faction's wrestling with four other co-leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) for control of the political party, which is viewed as the PAD's political arm.

At the party's meeting on Sunday, it was resolved that New Politics would not field any candidates in the next election, a stance backed by many PAD leaders - particularly Sondhi Limthongkul - on grounds that the election would only allow a return of corrupt politicians.

Somsak told reporters after Sunday's meeting that the decision was just an "initial standpoint" that would require endorsement from the party's executive board. He cited the Political Party Act.

The New Politics leader's stance has been at odds with that of party secretary-general Suriyasai Katasila, who does not want the party to field any candidate. Instead, he wants the party to join the PAD campaign for voters to boycott the election. Of the 20 party executive members, Suriya-sai's wing consists of more than 10, and they disagree with Somsak's idea of reversing the party resolution, according to the party source.

"It is possible that after the executive board's meeting, Suriyasai and some other members will resign to pave the way for the election of new board members," the source said.

Both Somsak and Suriyasai could not be reached by phone yesterday.

The new development in the party coincided with a decision by the State Enterprise Workers' Relations Con-federation (SERC), a key labour group, to "step back" from the PAD and for its key figures Somsak and SERC secretary-general Sawit Kaew-wan to withdraw as PAD leaders.

Sawit explained yesterday the SERC had decided none of its executives should speak on the PAD's stage, although they could take part in its rally on a case-by-case basis.

Somsak, a senior SERC adviser, is one of the PAD's five co-leaders and Sawit is one of its second-generation leaders. They have resigned from the PAD's leadership with effect from Tuesday, according to an SERC letter sent to the PAD's other co-leaders.

The SERC letter is dated Tuesday and addressed to the PAD's four remaining co-leaders - Sondhi Limthongkul, Chamlong Srimuang, Pipob Thongchai, and Somkiat Pongpaiboon. It was signed by Sawit in his capacity as the SERC secretary-general. A copy of the letter was obtained by The Nation yesterday.

The letter said SERC's executive committee resolved at its meeting on Tuesday that the group's leaders should withdraw from the PAD and "review the position of taking part in PAD rallies". The SERC's letter said the group joined the PAD in 2006 and often stood by its side in subsequent rallies. However, it said the PAD appeared to have "strayed from the original standpoint" and unfairly attacked individuals who had fought alongside them. The SERC said the PAD's current rally appeared to be aimed at inciting another coup.

Nevertheless, a PAD leader who requested anonymity, said yesterday it remained doubtful whether the SERC resolution was complete. He said Somsak's departure would not affect the PAD. Sawit insisted the SERC resolution was complete.

-- The Nation 2011-04-28