The election serves as a significant test of the junta under Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who has limited political activities since taking power in a coup in 2014. Polls indicated a slight lead in favor of adopting the new constitution, but most voters were undecided. Polling stations closed at 1600 local time (0500 ET). Preliminary results, based on 95 percent of the votes, are expected around 2100 local time (1000 ET). Supachai Somcharoen, the Election Commission chairman, stated that voting was orderly in all regions after polls closed. The junta claims that the constitution is intended to address over a decade of divisive politics in Thailand, which has hindered economic growth and resulted in numerous deaths from civil unrest. Critics, including major political parties, argue that the constitution is actually meant to solidify the military's influence in politics for the foreseeable future. Prayuth has stated that he will not step down if the constitution is rejected by Thailand, and that an election will still be held next year regardless of the outcome. He encouraged all citizens to participate in the voting process to determine the country's future. Approximately 200,000 police officers were deployed for the election. Boonyakiat Rakchartcharoen, deputy secretary-general of the Election Commission, stated that out of 21 cases of voters tearing ballot papers, some were intentional while others were accidental. In the northeastern province of Chaiyaphum, two students were arrested for distributing leaflets urging voters to oppose the referendum. The junta, also known as the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), prohibited discussions about the constitution and campaigning before the vote. Numerous individuals, including politicians and student activists, have been arrested and charged for speaking out against the referendum. Jatuporn Prompan, leader of the anti-government United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship group, expressed that the referendum should not have taken place under such circumstances. Jatuporn told reporters that the Constitution Drafting Committee and NCPO are being criticized for conducting a referendum in a fearful atmosphere in the country. The vote is taking place at a time when there are concerns about the health of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is 88 years old. The military has used its role as protector of the revered monarch to justify its involvement in politics for many years. Critics argue that the military's proposed constitution is an attempt to address their inability to completely remove former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his populist policies from Thai politics following the 2006 coup. Despite living in exile, Thaksin still wields significant influence, especially among his rural supporters in the north. His sister, Yingluck, came into power easily through elections in 2011, but her government was overthrown in the 2014 coup led by Prayuth. In January 2015, Yingluck was banned from politics for five years due to allegations of mismanaging a rice scheme. Despite this, she was able to vote in the recent election and expressed her happiness at being able to exercise her rights. Thaksin criticized the new charter, calling it a mistake that would only strengthen the junta's power and hinder Thailand's governance. Interviews with military officials revealed their goal of using the new charter to prevent future coups by weakening political parties and giving the military a significant role in the country's economic and political affairs. The constitution, which would be Thailand's 20th since the military abolished an absolute monarchy in 1932, includes a junta-appointed Senate with seats reserved for military commanders to oversee elected lawmakers' powers. Farmer Thongyoon Khaenkhaomeng expressed his desire for the country to improve as he voted in favor of the constitution at a polling station in Khon Kaen. He hoped the constitution would help end Thailand's divisions. On the other hand, day laborer Decha Shangkamanee voted against the charter due to his dislike of the junta, but he did not believe the referendum would have a significant impact. Nearby, voters waited in line to cast their ballots at the rebuilt city hall, which had been burned down during political unrest in 2010. He stated that he is aware that there is no real change in the way the country is governed today.