The political duel to choose Thailand's next prime minister began in earnest yesterday.
Members of the ruling coalition were locked in tough negotiations behind closed doors after Banharn Silpa-archa agreed to step down from the leadership.
But critics feared the jockeying for power would be unlikely to produce a better administration than the one pilloried during the no-confidence debate in Parliament.
On Saturday, Mr Banharn was forced to commit himself to resigning 'within seven days' after coalition partners threatened to withdraw their support.
Observers also noted that Mr Banharn had been ruthlessly dumped by the people he had been accused of failing to control.
So whoever succeeded him could lack credibility.
The four top contenders have obvious weaknesses: Former army commander General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh - who is in pole position because he heads the coalition's second biggest party - has been looking out for the premiership for years.