New Politics Party Postpones Decision On Thai Poll Boycott

[webfact]

NPP postpones decision on poll boycott

By SOMROUTAI SAPSOMBOON

THE NATION

The New Politics Party's executive board yesterday postponed its final decision on whether to contest the upcoming general election amid a severe rift threatening the party's unity, a source said.

The meeting, chaired by party leader Somsak Kosaisuk, failed to reach an accord after five hours. The participants agreed to put off their decision until a meeting next week, to be scheduled later.

Eighteen of 20 party executives attended yesterday's meeting.

The NPP - viewed as the political arm of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), or the yellow shirts - has seen a tug-of-war between two factions in conflict over whether the party should field candidates in the next election.

Many PAD leaders, particularly Sondhi Limthongkul, are campaigning for eligible voters to boycott the election on the grounds that it will only allow corrupt politicians to return to power.

They want the party to join the boycott by not contesting the election.

However, many NPP figures, including party leader Somsak, want the party to field candidates. Somsak is backed by heads of the party's branches.

The NPP executive board is split between Somsak's backers and those supporting a boycott.

Somsak called yesterday's meeting after NPP members on Sunday resolved not to field any candidates in the election. The party leader regarded the decision as mere comment by party members, with no legal binding effect. He said such a decision should be made by the party's executive board.

Somsak noted that on March 22, the party's executives and branch heads had resolved that the NPP would contest the election, according to the source.

-- The Nation 2011-04-30

[Thailand]

Disunity and indecisive.

Not quite what the populace would want to represent them. I think they should stick with not contesting.

[asiawatcher]

No plans, no leadership and no future. Who cares if they boycott the elections?