Process could run at least two years after first referendum, say expertsListen to this articleVoters in Thailand's general elections on Feb 8 will also be asked to decide if a new constitution should replace a 2017 charter. A majority "Yes" vote would give parliament a public mandate to begin drafting a new national charter. A majority "no" vote will leave intact the current constitution, which took effect in 2017 after being drafted by a military-appointed committee following a 2014 coup. Critics say the 2017 constitution concentrated power in undemocratic institutions, weakened popular rule and limited decentralisations of power and meaningful checks and balances. Most mainstream political parties, including the ruling Bhumjaithai Party as well as the opposition People's Party and Pheu Thai, back amending the constitution and are urging supporters to vote "yes" in the referendum.
