The election serves as a major test of public opinion for the military-led government under Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who has restricted political activities since taking power in a coup in 2014. Polls indicated a slight lead in favor of the new constitution, but many voters remained undecided. Polling stations closed at 1600 local time (0500 ET) with preliminary results based on 95 percent of votes expected around 2100 local time (1000 ET). Election Commission chairman Supachai Somcharoen reported that voting was conducted in an orderly manner across all areas. The junta claims that the constitution is meant to bring an end to over ten years of political division in Thailand that has hindered growth and resulted in numerous deaths during civil unrest. Critics, including major political parties, argue that the constitution is actually intended to solidify the military's influence in politics for years to come. Prayuth has stated that he will not step down if the constitution is rejected by Thailand, and that an election will 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 casting his ballot in northwest Bangkok on Sunday. 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. Two students in Chaiyaphum province were arrested for distributing leaflets against 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. Many individuals, including politicians and student activists, have been arrested for speaking out against the referendum. Jatuporn Prompan, chairman of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, criticized the referendum for being held under such restrictive conditions. Jatuporn criticized the Constitution Drafting Committee and NCPO for organizing a referendum in a country filled with fear. The vote coincides with worries about the health of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is 88 years old. The military has historically used its role as protector of the revered monarch as justification for getting involved in politics. Critics argue that the new constitution is the military's way of trying to eliminate former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his populist policies from Thai politics, following his removal in a 2006 coup. Despite living in exile, Thaksin still wields significant influence, especially among his supporters in rural areas. His sister Yingluck won a landslide victory in the 2011 elections but was removed from power by Prayuth in the 2014 coup. Yingluck was banned from politics for five years in 2015 for mismanaging a rice scheme, but she still voted in the recent election. Thaksin criticized the new charter, calling it a mistake that would only strengthen the junta's power in Thailand. Interviews with military officials revealed their goal of preventing future coups by limiting the power of political parties and maintaining military oversight of the country's development. According to the constitution, which would be Thailand's 20th since the military ended an absolute monarchy in 1932, a Senate appointed by the junta and including military leaders would oversee the powers of elected officials. 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 that the constitution would help unite Thailand. Meanwhile, voters waited in line to vote at the rebuilt city hall, which was destroyed during political unrest in 2010. Day laborer Decha Shangkamanee mentioned that he voted against the constitution due to his dislike for the junta, but he did not believe the referendum would have a significant impact. He stated that he understands that there will be no real changes in the way the country is governed today.