The election serves as a significant test of public support for Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha's junta, which has restricted political activities since seizing power in a 2014 coup. Pre-election polls indicated a slight lead for the acceptance of the new constitution, but many voters remained undecided. Polling stations closed at 1600 local time (0500 ET) with preliminary results anticipated around 2100 local time (1000 ET) based on 95 percent of the votes counted. Election Commission Chairman Supachai Somcharoen reported that voting was conducted in an orderly manner across all regions. The junta claims that the constitution is meant to address over ten years of political division in Thailand that has hindered growth and resulted in numerous deaths in civil unrest. Critics, including major political parties, argue that it is a way to solidify the military's involvement in politics for the long term. 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. "I encourage everyone to participate in the voting process to determine the future of the country," Prayuth said to reporters after voting in northwest Bangkok on Sunday. Approximately 200,000 police officers were on duty 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. Two students were arrested in Chaiyaphum province for distributing leaflets opposing the referendum. The junta, also known as the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), prohibited discussions about the constitution and campaigning prior to the vote. Many individuals, including politicians and student activists, have been detained and charged for opposing the referendum. Jatuporn Prompan, leader of the anti-government United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship group, argued that the referendum should not have taken place under such restrictive conditions. Jatuporn expressed disapproval of the Constitution Drafting Committee and NCPO for conducting a referendum in a climate of fear in the country. The vote took place amidst concerns about the health of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 88. The military has historically justified its involvement in politics by citing its duty to protect the highly respected monarch. Critics argue that the military's proposed charter is an attempt to rectify their previous failure to eliminate former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his populist policies from Thai politics following the 2006 coup. Despite living in self-imposed exile, Thaksin continues to wield significant influence, particularly among his rural supporters in the north. Yingluck, who was elected with a large majority in 2011, was removed from power in the 2014 coup led by Prayuth. She was disqualified from politics for five years in 2015 for her involvement in a rice scheme. Despite this, Yingluck was able to vote in the recent election and expressed happiness at exercising her rights as a Thai citizen. Thaksin criticized the new charter, calling it a mistake that would only strengthen the military's hold on power in Thailand. Military officers revealed in interviews with Reuters that the new charter aims to prevent future coups by limiting the power of political parties and giving the military a role in overseeing the country's development. The 20th constitution of Thailand, established since the military removed the absolute monarchy in 1932, includes a Senate appointed by the junta with military leaders holding seats to oversee elected officials' powers. Farmer Thongyoon Khaenkhaomeng expressed his desire for national improvement as he voted in favor of the constitution to help end Thailand's divisions. Meanwhile, day laborer Decha Shangkamanee voted against the charter due to his dislike for the junta, but he did not anticipate the referendum to have a significant impact. He stated that he is aware that there is no real change in the way the country is governed today.