Support for Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s bid for prime minister is growing among senators, following the mandate in Sunday’s election that displayed the people’s trust in the leader and his party. Pita’s quest to form a new government has been backed by several senators, with Senator Sathit Limpongpan pledging to support any coalition that secures over 250 seats in the House, while Prapasri Suchanthabut also indicated her support for Pita’s bid. So far, an MFP-led alliance has amassed 313 seats from eight parties, working towards a government bloc.
The next step for the alliance is to win at least 376 votes in the 750-seat parliament, which comprises 500 Members of Parliament (MPs) and 250 senators. To bridge the gap, the coalition needs to acquire the support of parties outside the existing bloc and approach additional senators. One significant issue several senators have with the MFP is the party’s stance on Section 112 of the Criminal Code, or the lese majeste law.
Despite being critical of the inter-bloc parties and labeling them “pro-dictatorship,” some Democrat Party members not in the MFP-led coalition have expressed their intention to support Pita in the interest of “preserving democracy.” According to Senator Sathit, after listening to the MFP’s policies, he found the party’s direction clear enough to support.
Meanwhile, Senator Wanchai Sornsiri clarified that he did not oppose Pita’s bid for prime minister and committed to supporting anyone who could secure more than half of the votes in the House of Representatives. However, he could not speak for other senators who may have reservations about Pita or the MFP.
Senator Direkrit Jenklongtham respected the people’s mandate and congratulated Pita on the MFP’s election success, acquiring 151 out of 500 House seats on Sunday. However, he urged Pita to clarify the MFP’s stance on Section 112 and whether the party intends to amend or repeal the law. The Senate might also extend an invitation to Pita to provide an explanation on the matter, he added.
With the next two to three months crucial for the alliance to garner support and address lingering concerns, discussions and negotiations are expected to take place before the final decision on the premiership election.
Be First to Comment