Saturday, August 18, 2007

First Thai referendum tomorrow

The government faces a test of credibility when it holds a referendum tomorrow on a new constitution that will limit the powers of politicians but lead to elections by the end of the year.
Thailand's 19 million voters have had four weeks to study the 186 pages document proposed as the country's 18th constitution.
The population expects for a return to political stability, but many opponents warn that it is “the military junta’s constitution”.
A political science professor at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University said last week: "I think this constitution will be able to solve lot of problems that we have had faced in the past, so definitely in terms of various clauses. I think it is going to be appropriate for Thai culture and politics".
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said: "This is a critical transition for Thailand, so i would like to ask people to go out and vote". Then he added:"This is another test for democracy and I hope we will pass this test".
Security will be tight for the upcoming referendum about 190.000 policemen and military soldiers will be deployed to guard 88,936 polling booths throughout the country.

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