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The Thai government faces a test of credibility when it holds a
referendum Sunday on a new constitution. As Ron Corben reports, the
government has urged people to approve the draft, while its
opponents have campaigned against it.
The government's publicity campaign ahead of Sunday's
constitutional referendum has included music like this on the radio
and street rallies to lure as many as of the 45 million voters that
it can to cast a ballot.
The ballot is a key step in Thailand's effort to restore
democracy after a military coup last September ousted Prime
Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, now living in exile in Britain. If it
is approved, the government can hold general elections late this
year.
Mr. Thaksin has been accused of undermining independent
institutions with political appointments and using loopholes in the
old constitution to dominate the parliament.
After the military installed a new government, it created a
panel to draft a new constitution.
Government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp says Sunday's vote is a
step toward political normalcy.
"This referendum is a chance for the people to come and give
their vote whether they feel that this new constitution answers all
these problems or not, whether the new constitution can fill in
those loopholes intended," said Mayalarp.
Among other things, the draft constitution lowers the number of
members of parliament and limits how long prime ministers can hold
office.
Political analysts say even if it wins, a low turnout would
undermine the credibility of the government and the military
committee that oversees it.
This week, both the government and its opponents held colorful
and noisy rallies. There also were allegations of vote buying and
other attempts to manipulate the outcome.
Opponents have accused government of intimidating voters. The
opponents include Mr. Thaksin's supporters, as well as many
anti-military activists.
Several key groups, including the business sector, support the
proposed constitution.
Desai Mywong is a shop owner in the seaside town of Pattaya. He
supports the draft because it shifts power toward the judiciary and
independent institutions and curbs executive power.
"This constitution is better than the last constitution. More
freedom especially for Thai people - not for the government or the
official," said Mywong.
A 35-year-old information technology worker at an
anti-referendum rally says no matter the result, the political
outlook for Thailand remains uncertain.
"I don't support the draft constitution, because I don't agree
with the coup. Although the government can pass the constitution
and maybe the election occur this year, but the political conflicts
still remain," he said.
A defeat for the constitution on Sunday will require the
government to select a previous constitution to use, and then delay
elections, probably until next year.
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