Critics, including major political parties, had criticized the constitution before the vote, saying it would constrict democracy, and give unelected lawmakers, including those appointed by the military, veto power over elected governments.
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But even if Shinawatra allies win the 2017 election, they will find it hard to scrap the new charter or reverse the military’s power over future elected governments.
Prayuth Chan-ocha assured Tuesday that the vote would take place in November 2017, after a cabinet meeting to discuss the unofficial results of a charter referendum on a new constitution that the military government won Sunday and preparations for the election.
Partial results released by the Election Commission late Sunday showed 62 per cent of voters had approved the charter, with 90 per cent of votes counted so far. A significant shift in the results isn’t expected with the final, official tally on August 10.
Election Commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn said some Thais may not have voted because they did not understand what the draft constitution was about. The authorities have detained and charged dozens of people who have spoken against it, including politicians and student activists.
A day after Thailand endorsed a military-backed Constitution to pave the way for a general election, the country’s junta government said yesterday it had no intention of forming a political party to contest the national polls.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Gen.Prayut Chan-ocha thanked the people of the North and Northeast – whether they accepted or rejected the draft constitution in Sunday’s referendum – and vowed to do his utmost to improve their livelihood and quality of life through long-term development plans.
Thailand has endured 13 successful military coups and 11 attempted takeovers since 1932.
A general election will be held in 2017 following the approval of the constitution, Prayut said. NO RECONCILIATION Whichever way the vote goes, the United Nations would like to see more dialogue between the military and political opponents, said Luc Stevens, the U.N. chief in Thailand.
Nearly two years ago, the military took over the government, toppling the democratically-elected government led by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. They were also asked a supplementary question, whether or not the appointed Senate should be allowed to join the lower house in selecting a Prime Minister.
Few countries have had more constitutions and drafters have historically failed to produce anything lasting.
The referendum gave a stark choice: to legitimise military governance under the National Council for Peace and Order, which the generals established after they overthrew the democratically elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra in 2014, or continue rule under which freedoms were tightly restricted.
One of the most controversial clauses calls for the 250-seat senate to be fully appointed by the military government.
“This is a redo of a military coup, using fear and intimidation to force Thai people to grant an extension of their control of power”, he said. The government of his sister Yingluck Shinawatra was removed in the 2014 coup.
The “yes” vote would be positive for the economy and investment in the second half of 2016, Bank of Thailand Governor Veerathai Santiphrabhob said on Monday.
The vote comes amidst concern about the health of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 88.
The military’s strategy is to reduce the influence of Yingluck’s party by increasing the power of other parties and the military.
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Turnout was about 55 percent on Sunday. “There is no reconciliation if one group says “Lets reconcile on our terms”, he told Reuters ahead of the referendum.
