Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has expressed confidence that the party can persuade Bangkok voters backing incumbent Chadchart Sittipunt to support Democrat gubernatorial candidate Anucha Burapachaisri and the party’s council candidates in the June 28 election.
Mr Abhisit was responding to a poll conducted by the King Prajadhipok’s Institute (KPI), which found that many Democrat supporters were inclined to vote for Mr Chadchart, who is running as an independent.
He spoke while campaigning at the Trok Mor market near Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Maha Simaram in Phra Nakhon district of the capital on Saturday morning.
Asked how the party planned to win those voters back, Mr Abhisit said the Democrats still had time to present their policies, while acknowledging that Mr Chadchart had received the highest level of public attention among the candidates.
“That is normal. But we still have many policies to present, and there are clear differences that voters will see if they return to supporting the Democrat Party,” said the party leader.
Among the key issues the party plans to emphasise are its stance on cannabis policy, utilisation of vacant land to prevent tax avoidance, and stricter anti-corruption measures, he said.
These policies served as distinguishing factors that could help regain the interest of former Democrat supporters, he added.
When asked about undecided voters, Mr Abhisit said even those who have already made up their minds are not beyond persuasion. “There is no rule preventing people from changing their decision,” he said.
In the remaining campaign period, Mr Anucha, the party’s city council candidates and the Democrat Party would continue to campaign vigorously to win broader public support, said Mr Abhisit.
Bangkok at one time was an impregnable stronghold for the Democrats. The party consistently won the majority of constituencies in general elections as well as governor and council races. But its support has waned over the past two decades, and in this year’s general election the People’s Party captured all 33 Bangkok seats.
Incumbent well ahead
Mr Chadchart, who is seeking a second term, received the support of 31.5% of eligible voters in a KPI poll released on Friday, while his closest rival was Chaiwat Sathawornwichit of the People’s Party at 13.1%. Mr Anucha of the Democrat Party received 4.9%.
The poll result was similar to those of two earlier surveys by Suan Dusit University, which also placed the incumbent governor in the lead.
The KPI poll surveyed 1,600 eligible voters across Bangkok from May 22-25. Almost a quarter were still undecided.
On Saturday morning, Mr Chadchart and Mr Chaiwat met while campaigning in Sai Mai district.
Mr Chadchart, candidate No.9, spent the morning campaigning across Bang Khen, Sai Mai and Don Muang districts.
At 9am at the AC Market in Sai Mai, he unexpectedly crossed paths with Mr Chaiwat, candidate No.10, who was campaigning alongside Pamorn Polchan, a People’s Party candidate for the city council election.
Mr Chadchart and Mr Chaiwat exchanged greetings, shared laughs, patted each other on the shoulder and offered words of encouragement in a friendly atmosphere.
