The extraordinary general meeting of the Democrat party, called to elect a new party leader and executive board today (Sunday), was abruptly adjourned after the meeting was found to lack a quorum.

The meeting, at the grand ballroom of the Miracle Hotel, started at about 2.30 pm. Several former leaders, including Chuan Leekpai, Banyat Bantadtan and Jurin Laksanawisit, attended the meeting along with numerous party members.

The only agendum of the meeting was to elect a new party leader to replace Jurin, who resigned after the announcement of the May 14th election result, which saw the party routed in Bangkok and losing significant ground in its southern stronghold. Party secretary-general Chalermchai Sri-on also quit.

When the meeting resumed after a lunch break, it appeared that the number of people present had fallen short of a quorum, prompting Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich, deputy party leader who chaired the meeting, to order a 20 minute break, hoping for more attendees.

A second head count was held at 3pm. There were only 201 participants present, which was fewer than the 221 in the first head count and short of a quorum. The meeting was, therefore, adjourned.

Jurin later told the media that he will call a meeting of the acting executive board on Tuesday, to discuss an exemption from the party regulation in order to hold another general meeting to elect the new party leader and executive board.

Former party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva is favourite to be re-elected. Two other contenders, deputy leader Alongkorn Ponlaboot and former Bangkok governor candidate Suchatvee Suwansawat have withdrawn their candidacies.