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Abhisit Vejjajiva backed by 52% in parliamentary vote over claims of government corruption and mismanagement Thailand’s prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, has narrowly survived a parliamentary no-confidence vote, ensuring his government remains in office in the run-up to what is likely to be a close election. Abhisit was backed by 249 parliamentarians, making up 52% of the eligible house voters, in a censure motion after four days of debate marked by allegations of corruption, mismanagement and conflicts of interest levelled at him and nine of his ministers. The number of votes against Abhisit could reflect some dissatisfaction within the six-party coalition that his Democrat party heads with a slim majority. Analysts say the parliamentary election is expected to be a close race between Abhisit’s Democrats and the opposition Puea Thai party, and Abhisit would probably need to form another coalition to govern again. All nine ministers survived no-confidence votes but by narrow margins. Several received less support than the prime minister. The censure was conducted as a free vote, meaning not all votes may have been cast along party lines. Thailand remains embroiled in a five-year-old political crisis characterised by violent demonstrations, lengthy blockades, disputed judicial rulings and military intervention. Investors are hoping the election will lead to greater stability. But analysts warn there is scope for foul play or challenges to the outcome from either side that could lead to renewed street protests or even a coup. The election will be the first real test of Abhisit’s public support. He came to power in late 2008 in a parliamentary vote that critics say was influenced heavily by the army leadership. Abhisit believes his party has the edge over Puea Thai, which is backed by the ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who retains considerable influence over Thai politics. Thaksin remains in exile to evade a two-year jail term for corruption. Abhisit and his government are accused by Puea Thai of helping certain companies win concessions for third-generation mobile phone services and transport projects as well as mismanagement and irregularities in a food price crisis. Opponents also accuse the government of being responsible for the deaths of anti-government “red shirt” demonstrators during clashes with the army last year. The government has rejected all the claims. Thailand guardian.co.uk