The election is a significant way to measure the popularity of the junta led by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who has restricted political activity since taking power in a coup in 2014. Polls before the referendum showed a slight advantage for the acceptance of the new constitution, but many voters were undecided. Initial results were anticipated to be announced at 8pm local time. Prayuth stated that he will not step down if the constitution is rejected and that an election will occur next year regardless of the outcome. He urged Thais to vote after casting his own ballot on Sunday. "I encourage all individuals to participate in voting in order to determine the fate of the nation," Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha informed journalists at a polling place in northwest Bangkok. During his remarks, he was interrupted by one woman who questioned his ability to govern and protect the country before being escorted away by security. Approximately 200,000 police were present during the vote in Thailand. The largest political parties in the country did not support the constitution, but there were no protests or issues. The military junta, also known as the National Council for Peace and Order, has prohibited any criticism of the constitution. Many individuals, including politicians and student activists, have been arrested and charged for speaking out against it. Critics believe the constitution is the military's way of trying to eliminate former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his popular political style from Thai politics. Thaksin was removed in a coup in 2006, and since then, Thailand has experienced more than a decade of political unrest. Although Thaksin lives in exile, he continues to have a significant impact, especially among his supporters in northern Thailand. His sister Yingluck Shinawatra won a landslide victory in the 2011 elections but was ousted by Prayuth in a coup three years later. Despite being banned from politics for five years due to allegations of mismanaging a rice scheme, Yingluck was still able to vote in the recent election and encouraged others to do the same. Thaksin criticized the new constitution, calling it a mistake that would only strengthen the junta's power and hinder Thailand's governance. Reuters interviews with high-ranking officials revealed that the military aims to prevent future coups by implementing a new constitution that weakens political parties and gives the military a role in overseeing the nation's economic and political progress. The proposed constitution, Thailand's 20th since the military ended the absolute monarchy in 1932, includes a Senate appointed by the junta with seats designated for military leaders to limit the authority of elected officials. In Khon Kaen, approximately 50 voters lined up to vote outside the city hall that had been previously destroyed during political turmoil in 2010. Farmer Thongyoon Khaenkhaomeng, voting at a nearby school, expressed his desire for the country to improve and voted in favor of the constitution in hopes of bridging Thailand's societal divides. Day laborer Decha Shangkamanee explained that he voted against the charter due to his disapproval of the junta, but he expressed skepticism that the referendum would result in any significant change. Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra also shared her hopes for the country's improvement after voting, while farmer Thongyoon Khaenkhaomeng, who voted in favor of the constitution, expressed his desire to see an end to Thailand's divisions. Day laborer Decha Shangkamanee expressed his opposition to the charter due to his dislike of the junta, but he doubted that the referendum would bring about significant change. According to him, the country's ruling system remains the same regardless of the outcome. The vote took place amid concerns about the health of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, with the military historically using its role as protector of the monarch to justify political interventions. The United Nations is advocating for increased communication between the military and political adversaries, regardless of the referendum result, in order to promote reconciliation. He told Reuters before the referendum that there can be no reconciliation if one group insists on reconciliation only on their terms. In order to ensure that nobody is left behind in the country, it is important to consider an inclusive process, open dialogue, and allowing people to share their opinions. Two students in Chaiyaphum were arrested for distributing leaflets against the referendum, according to Police Colonel Aram Prajit. Despite the ban on campaigning, the military junta has sent thousands of military cadets to urge Thailand's 50 million eligible voters to participate in the referendum. The Election Commission is aiming for an 80 percent turnout. Amnesty International stated on Friday that the military regime had established a frightening atmosphere leading up to the election by committing widespread human rights abuses.