The OP will assume that RVN survives to the present day, however this is not a "how to win 'Nam" thread.
Let's look at the political situation in the early '70s...
After the Easter Offensive Thieu had abolished presidential elections and declared a state of emergency- shades of his fellow autocrat in Manila. The next one was due to be held in September 1975 had he not done this.
Ky was increasingly marginalized, which is a good thing. He did not oppose Thieu in the 1971 presidential election, which is why Thieu won with 94%- Big Minh withdrew as well.
So would either of them run again, and is there any credible civilian candidate? How long can Thieu last, given that he's quite young (52 in 1975) and with solid, if not monolithic support among the military and urban elites. I could see a Musharraf-type ending to his presidency myself.
Let's look at the political situation in the early '70s...
After the Easter Offensive Thieu had abolished presidential elections and declared a state of emergency- shades of his fellow autocrat in Manila. The next one was due to be held in September 1975 had he not done this.
Ky was increasingly marginalized, which is a good thing. He did not oppose Thieu in the 1971 presidential election, which is why Thieu won with 94%- Big Minh withdrew as well.
So would either of them run again, and is there any credible civilian candidate? How long can Thieu last, given that he's quite young (52 in 1975) and with solid, if not monolithic support among the military and urban elites. I could see a Musharraf-type ending to his presidency myself.