Thai voters have overwhelmingly backed a new constitution drafted by the military government.The document’s critics say it enshrines the power of the military in a way that is harmful for Thai democracy, while supporters argue it provides stability to the country.
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Prior to Sunday’s vote, Thailand’s major political parties had criticised the draft constitution, saying it would constrict democracy, including one provision calling for an appointed Senate with seats reserved for military commanders.
Nearly two years ago, the military took over the government, toppling the democratically-elected government led by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
The military junta, which rebranded itself the National Council for Peace and Order and made its leader, Prayuth Chan-ocha, the prime minister, set about creating a new constitution, written by a junta-created committee.
The full results are due on Wednesday.
“Regardless of the outcome, we expect all parties will accept the result, which will help steer our country forward”, Election Commission Chairman Supachai Somcharoen said at a media briefing after polls closed.
More than 100 people who campaigned for a “no” vote were jailed, including student activists and politicians.
Im Jeepetch, 18, a first-time voter, admitted she didn’t know much about the draft constitution but voted “yes” because she feels that Bangkok has become more orderly and peaceful since the military came to power.
The military says the new constitution will purge Thailand of corrupt civilian politicians and restore stability after almost a decade of political turmoil including two coups.
Turnout was about fifty five percent, and many voters remained confused about the actual content of the charter.
Thailand will hold a general election in 2017, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Tuesday, seeking to allay concerns his military government might delay plans for a return to democracy, days after the country endorsed a military-backed constitution.
Thailand’s military government mustered majority support for its proposed constitution with 61.4 per cent of total 94 per cent votes counted supporting the proposal and 38.6 per cent opposing it. But, asked whether a junta-appointed Senate should have a role in choosing the prime minister, the vote was 58.1 per cent for and 41.9 per cent against.
If the constitution is approved, the junta has promised a general election in 2017.
In July, the ambassadors of all European Union countries in Thailand and the US 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”.
Speaking to this website, Cameron said, “Flaws in the draft constitution mean that the referendum is unlikely to resolve the political crisis”.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the need for peacekeeping operations to continue after the referendum.
But others believe the draft constitution has a different aim: to weaken allies of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the central figure who has roiled Thai politics.
His sister, Yingluck, swept to power with an electoral landslide in 2011, and her government was ousted by Mr Prayuth in the 2014 coup.
The army ousted Thaksin in a 2006 coup, after “yellow shirt” protesters took to the streets and accused him of abuse of power, corruption and disrespecting the king.
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“If approved, the charter will allow the military and its proxies to tighten their grip on power and cement their influence in political affairs”.
