A candidate in the Democrat party leadership election tomorrow, Watanya Bunnag, has vowed to carry on with her candidacy, even following an announcement by 21 of the party’s MPs that they will support the candidature of Chalermchai Srion, former secretary-general.

Meanwhile, former Democrat party leader Chuan Leekpai said today that he is not at all surprised that the group of MPs have voiced their support for Chalermchai, noting that has maintained a strong relationship with the MPs during the four years he was the party’s secretary-general.

Watanya, a former businesswoman whose candidacy needs to be approved by 75% of the Democrat party members because she not yet qualified to assume the leadership, told the media today that she is determined to fight on, as she has faith in the party and intends to restore public trust in Thailand’s oldest political party.

In the party’s leadership election process, the MPs’ votes carry more weight than the votes of ordinary party members.

Despite the odds against her, Watanya said the outcome of the election tomorrow will depend on the party members and she will continue to pursue her political dream.

Asked whether she will quit the party if she loses tomorrow, the young Democrat said that she has not yet considered that option.

The other candidate, Narapat Kaeothong, acting deputy leader, said yesterday that he would withdraw his candidacy if Chalermchai agrees to return to take the helm of the party “because we are in the same team.”