MFP revises election targets as poll nears

Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat makes a heart-shape symbol as he is surrounded by party supporters during a campaign rally near Victory Monument in Bangkok on Thursday. (Photo: Nutthawat Wicheanbut)
Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party( MFP ), makes a heart-shaped symbol as he is encircled by party members on Thursday in Bangkok near the Victory Monument. ( Image: Wicheanbut Nutthawat)

The Move Forward Party ( MFP) wants to win 160 House seats in the upcoming election in order to establish itself as a major party within the coalition and nominate Pita Limjaroenrat as the nation’s next prime minister.

The party now anticipates winning at least 125 seats in many constituencies across the nation, according to MFP secretary-general Chaithawat Tulathon, while the remaining seats will be determined by party-list calculations.

The new goal is consistent with the most recent National Institute of Development Administration ( Nida ) pre-election survey, which found that support for the MFP increased to 35.36 % in the party-list system, up from 21.85 % last month. According to the survey, its approval rating in the constituency system also increased to 33.96 % from 21.20 % last month.

The group’s leaders stated late last month that there is a good chance the party could lose more than 100 seats if it can hold its popularity up until the election date.

Mr. Chaithawat expressed optimism that the original opposite bloc would win the polls on May 14.

There is no need to be concerned that the Pheu Thai Party and the MFP will undermine one another. According to many surveys, the MFP and Pheu Thai will each win about 300 seats, while the government camp is unlikely to win 180. Any opportunists may be discouraged, he claimed.

When asked if the MFP may change its mind about the stability qualifications law, he responded that the matter is currently before the House and that joining the coalition does not require the party to address it.

However, he added that the party may request that its allies sign an agreement on a number of issues, such as the elimination of the requirement for military service and decentralization of power, and the public referendum on constitutional amendments.

The group’s vote caravans are currently operational in the four regions, according to Mr. Chaithawat, and they will assemble in Bangkok on May 12 to hold their last election rally.

On Thursday and Monday, Mr. Pita stated that the group’s position on the Lese Majesty Law is to find its act, not its repeal.