World

Thailand votes on sweeping new constitution that empowers military

Millions of Thais will go to the polls Sunday to vote on a new constitution that gives dramatic extra powers to the country’s military, which seized control of the government in a 2014 coup. Voters will be asked whether they accept the draft constitution, and whether to permit the country’s Senate to jointly vote for […]

Millions of Thais will go to the polls Sunday to vote on a new constitution that gives dramatic extra powers to the country’s military, which seized control of the government in a 2014 coup.

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Voters will be asked whether they accept the draft constitution, and whether to permit the country’s Senate to jointly vote for Prime Minister along with the House of Representatives.

Results are expected late Sunday evening local time. If passed, it will be Thailand’s 20th constitution.

Military control

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, former commander in chief of the Thai army, claims the new constitution is part of a road back to full democracy.

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Prayut said Friday that he will personally vote in favor of the constitution.

However, many Thais and international observers are skeptical of those claims, as the new constitution will cement military rule throughout the country’s governmental institutions.

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Read More- CNN

Image courtesy of Getty

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