Thai constitutional referendum, 2007

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Thailand

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Cover of draft distributed to all households
Cover of draft distributed to all households

A referendum on the new constitution was held in Thailand on 19 August 2007.[1] Had the draft been rejected, the military government would have had the freedom to choose any previous constitution to adapt and promulgate instead.[2] Turnout was around 60%.[3]

Major changes in the proposed constitution included:[4]

  • Making almost half of Senators appointed rather than elected.
  • Limiting the Prime Minister to two four year terms.
  • Banning the Prime Minister from major holdings in private companies.
  • Making it easier to impeach the Prime Minister.

The current military government had announced that each household in the country would be sent a copy of the new constitution ahead of the referendum.[4] A poll from July had seen a majority of voters in favour.[5]

[edit] Results

Exit polls had suggested that 70% of people had voted for the constitution.[3]

Choice Votes %
Yes 14,727,306 56.69%
No 10,747,441 41.37%

Source: Election Commission of Thailand

[edit] References

  1. ^ Panel passes final draft of new Thai constitution, paving way for referendum, elections Associated Press, 6 July 2007
  2. ^ [1]
  3. ^ a b Thai voters 'approve new charter' BBC News, 19 August 2007
  4. ^ a b Thai draft constitution approved BBC News, 6 July 2007
  5. ^ Thais Would Approve New Constitution Angus Reid Global Monitor, 27 July 2007


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