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World

Thailand's military-installed legislature rejects draft of constitution, delaying elections

Associated Press
Published | Updated
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    Thailand's legislature, known as the National Reform Council, stands after they votee 135 against vs. 105 in favor with seven abstentions on the new draft constitution Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015, in Bangkok, Thailand. Thailand's military-backed legislature on Sunday rejected an unpopular draft of a new constitution, delaying a return to democracy following a coup last year. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn) (The Associated Press)

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    Thienchai Kiranan, president of Thailand's legislature, known as the National Reform Council, speaks before the body voted 135 against vs. 105 in favor with seven abstentions on the new draft constitution Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015, in Bangkok, Thailand. Thailand's military-backed legislature on Sunday rejected an unpopular draft of a new constitution, delaying a return to democracy following a coup last year. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn) (The Associated Press)

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    Thienchai Kiranan, right, president of Thailand's legislature, known as the National Reform Council, looks over notes before the start of the session before the body voted on the new draft constitution Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015, in Bangkok, Thailand. Thailand's military-backed legislature on Sunday rejected an unpopular draft of a new constitution, delaying a return to democracy following a coup last year. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn) (The Associated Press)

BANGKOK – Thailand's military-backed legislature has rejected a draft of a new constitution, delaying a return to democracy following a coup last year.

The junta-picked drafters had hoped the charter would move the country past almost a decade of political conflicts, but it was met with strong opposition on almost all sides of political divide.

One of the most contentious provisions included a 23-member panel, with military members, that would be empowered to take over from the parliament and prime minister in times of "national crisis."

Almost all parties criticized it, and the draft risked being voted down in a referendum, further complicating a transition to electoral democracy.

The rejection sets back a tentative plan for a return to democracy, with the military retaining substantial powers until a new constitution is drafted.