• 
• 

Published on December 20, 2007

The Nation

"Even though we're banned from the election process, we're concerned about the fate of the country and want democracy to thrive," Chidchai Vanasatidya said.

Other key figures who joined in the group's statement were Sudarat Keyuraphan, Chatu-ron Chaisang, Pongthep Thep-kanchana, Phrommin Lert-suridej and Phumthum Wecha-yachai.

Sudarat said the group launched a website, www.secondclass111.com, featuring views on overcoming the turmoil.

She said the poll results would reflect the people's judgement and should be respected without any interference. Chaturon said regardless of the ballot count, the group would not try to win amnesty but would allow the elected lawmakers to decide on the issue if necessary.

The People Power Party would also not try to disrupt the transition of power if its rivals secured victory, he said.

Lawmaker Prasong Soonsiri voiced concern about street protests because rival parties might not concede defeat.

"The voting outcome means one camp will be pleased but the other camp displeased," he said.

Authorities should reason with contesting parties to abide by the vote tally, he said.

The military had learned its lesson from the September 19, 2006 coup although its duty was to safeguard national security should demonstrations spiral out of control, he added.