Thai voters on Sunday overwhelmingly approved a new junta-backed constitution that lays the foundation for a civilian government influenced by the military and controlled by appointed – rather than elected – officials.
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The Pheu Thai party made several criticisms on the draft constitution, such as too much curtailment of administrative officials and too much power bestowed upon the Constitutional Court and any independent organizations, the possible generation of a multiparty government which is not stable enough to run the country, and a almost impossible amendment of the constitution, adding that it is also unfair that the draft exempts the NCPO from any punishments.
Thailand has long had a turbulent political scene.
It is a key victory for the junta’s leader, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha who has suppressed political activity since seizing control in 2014 and banned all criticism of the new constitution.
Voting across 94,000 polling stations opened at 8 a.m., and closed at 4 p.m. She first registered at a desk and signed a paper before casting her ballot.
“The importance of this referendum for me is how we move the country forward and I’ve come to exercise my right to vote”, said Vethas, a local resident.
“This is your duty and this is part of democracy, of an internationally-recognised process”. While the official results of the referendum votes are expected, the U.S. urged Thai authorities to proceed with next steps to return Thailand to elected, civilian-led government as soon as possible.
The new constitution would include a 250-member military-appointed senate along with a 500-member elected House of Representatives.
Electing Prime Minister. A second ballot question that would allow the Senate to elect a prime minister jointly with the lower house was also winning by a wide margin. In accordance with the latest version of the roadmap proposed by the Thai National Council for Peace and Order, the elections based on new electoral law and new constitution should be held in November-December 2017.
The calm in the city has made it easier for her to travel to her school, the university student said.
Even if Thais vote “no”, the military will remain in control for the foreseeable future.
This veneer of stability could help explain the “yes” vote for the new constitution.
In July, the ambassadors of all European Union countries in Thailand and the USA and Canada issued a joint statement calling for an “open dialogue on the referendum”, pointing to concerns that “prohibitions on the peaceful public expression of views inhibit debate and increase tensions”.
The military argues that it is corrupt politicians that are to blame for the last decade of instability and divisive politics. The junta set up hand-picked committees to draft a charter that would enshrine its declared goal of reforming politics by eliminating corruption.
The Shinawatra clan has won all general elections since 2001, harvesting votes by promising greater wealth and opportunity to the rural poor. Leading the other side is Thailand’s traditional ruling class and royalists – known as the Yellow Shirts – unnerved by Thaksin’s support, especially as it contemplates the country’s future.
The turmoil has been compounded by the frail health of 88-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej, as competing elites jostle ahead of any transition.
Thaksin lives overseas to avoid a prison term for a corruption conviction, while Yingluck is on trial for alleged dereliction of duty involving a money losing rice-purchasing program.
“The elections will be held in 2017”.
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But the two main political parties in Thailand – who rarely agree – have both come out against the charter, which could prompt a higher turnout.
