The election is the junta's first major test of popularity since Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha took power in a coup in 2014, where he has suppressed political activity for two years. Polls showed a slight lead for accepting the new constitution, but most voters were undecided. Polling stations closed at 1600 local time (0500 ET), with preliminary results expected at around 2100 local time (1000 ET). Election Commission chairman Supachai Somcharoen said voting was orderly across all areas. The junta claims that the constitution is meant to address over ten years of divisive politics in Thailand, which has harmed economic growth and resulted in numerous deaths during civil unrest. Critics, including major political parties, believe that the constitution is intended to solidify the military's political influence for the long term. 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 country's future," Prayuth stated to reporters after voting at a polling station 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. In the northeastern province of Chaiyaphum, two students were arrested and charged for distributing leaflets urging voters to oppose the referendum, according to police. The junta, also known as the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), prohibited discussions about the constitution and campaigning in the lead-up to the vote. Several individuals, including politicians and student activists, have been arrested and charged for speaking out against the referendum. Jatuporn Prompan, chairman of the anti-government United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship group, criticized the conditions under which the referendum was held. Jatuporn criticized the Constitution Drafting Committee and NCPO for organizing a referendum in a fearful atmosphere in the kingdom. The vote is taking place amid concerns about the health of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 88, with the military often citing its duty to protect the revered monarch as a justification for its involvement in politics. Critics argue that the current charter is the military's way of trying to eliminate former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his populist movement from Thai politics, following the 2006 coup that ousted him. Thaksin, who now lives in self-imposed exile, continues to wield significant influence, particularly among his rural supporters in the north. His sister Yingluck won a landslide victory in the 2011 elections, but her government was removed in the 2014 coup led by Prayuth. Yingluck, who was banned from politics for five years in January 2015 for mismanaging a rice scheme, also cast her vote on Sunday. She 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 only strengthen the junta's power and hinder governance in Thailand. Interviews with military officials revealed their goal to prevent future coups by diminishing political parties and giving the military a role in 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 commanders would oversee the powers of elected officials. "I want the country to improve," said farmer Thongyoon Khaenkhaomeng at a polling station in a school in the northeastern city of Khon Kaen. He voted in favor of the constitution in hopes of ending Thailand's divisions. Nearby, voters lined up to vote at the reconstructed city hall, which was destroyed during political unrest in 2010. Day laborer Decha Shangkamanee stated he voted against the constitution because he disapproved of the junta, but did not believe the referendum would have much impact. He stated that he is aware that there will be no significant changes in the way the country is governed today.