The election is the initial major test of popularity for the junta under Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who has limited political activity since taking control in a coup in 2014. Polls before the election indicated a slight lead in support of the new constitution, but many voters were undecided. Polling stations closed at 1600 local time (0500 ET), and preliminary results based on 95 percent of the votes are expected around 2100 local time (1000 ET). Supachai Somcharoen, chairman of the Election Commission, stated that voting was conducted in an orderly manner after polls closed. The junta claims the constitution is meant to mend more than ten years of divisive politics in Thailand, which has harmed the economy and resulted in numerous deaths due to civil unrest. Critics, including major political parties, argue that it is intended 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, 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 direction of the country," Prayuth said to reporters after voting 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 the 21 cases of voters tearing ballot papers, some were intentional while others were accidental. Two students in Chaiyaphum were arrested for distributing leaflets urging voters to oppose the referendum. The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) prohibited discussions about the constitution and campaigning before the vote, leading to the detention and charging of numerous individuals, including politicians and student activists. 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 conducting a referendum in a fearful atmosphere in the kingdom. The vote took place amid concerns about the health of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 88. For years, the military has used its role as protector of the revered monarch to justify its involvement in politics. Critics argue that the charter is the military's way of trying to eliminate former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his populist policies from Thai politics, following the 2006 coup that ousted him. Thaksin, who lives in exile, still wields significant influence, especially among his rural supporters in the north. His sister Yingluck came to power in 2011 with a strong electoral victory, only to be removed from office by Prayuth in the 2014 coup. In January 2015, Yingluck was banned from politics for five years for her involvement in a mismanaged rice scheme. Despite this, she was still able to vote in the recent election and expressed her happiness at being able to exercise her rights as a Thai citizen. Thaksin criticized the new charter, calling it a mistake that would allow the junta to maintain 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 ensuring 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 with seats reserved for military leaders would oversee the powers of elected officials. A farmer named 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 believed that the constitution would help end Thailand's divisions. Meanwhile, voters lined up at the rebuilt city hall, which was destroyed during political unrest in 2010. Day laborer Decha Shangkamanee stated that he voted against the constitution because he disliked the junta, but he did not think the referendum would have much impact. He stated that he understands that there is no significant change in the way the country is governed today.