Voters in Thailand approve junta-proposed draft constitution

Voters in Thailand have overwhelmingly approved a junta-proposed draft constitution that would lay the foundation for a civilian government influenced by the military.

Results from the election commission show the "yes" vote winning a clear mandate with 86 percent of the votes counted after polls closed in the Sunday referendum.

Local media reports said 62 percent voted for the charter while 38 percent rejected it after polls closed.

The turnout appeared subdued, with the number of counted ballots so far making up 24 million people in the country. Over 50 million Thais had registered to vote.

Official results are expected to be announced later on Sunday.

The referendum paves the way for a general election in 2017 but requires future governments to rule on the military's terms.

The military rulers, who came to power in 2014, abolished the previous constitution and set up a committee to draft a new one.

General Prayut Chan-o-cha, the commander of the Royal Thai Army (RTA), heads the junta. His 2014 coup d'état came after months of political instability and sporadic violence.

The proponents of the new constitution claim it will end political corruption and bring democracy and stability to Thailand.

Independent sources, however, say the constitution will reinforce the military control over the country and weaken the influence of civilians in politics.

Thailand's major political parties have also rejected the new constitution, saying it is undemocratic and will entrench military control.

Campaigning against the draft had been banned and dozens have been arrested over the past days.

During the past decade, power has been shifting between a royalist army and its establishment allies on one side and elected governments led by or linked to self-exiled billionaire, Thaksin Shinawatra, on the other.

Thaksin has described the new constitution as a “folly” that would strengthen the power of the ruling junta and make it impossible for future elected governments to govern the country.

His sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, became premier in 2011 but was forced to resign by the Constitutional Court just days before the military took power.

General Prayut was appointed by the country’s 88-year-old monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, to run the country following the latest coup against Shinawatra’s sister.

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