2007年VOA标准英语-Thai Exit Polls: Military-Backed Constitution A

By Ron Corben
Bangkok
19 August 2007

Thailand's PM Surayud Chulanont casts his vote during a referendum on a new constitution at a polling station in Bangkok, 19 Aug 2007

Thai voters appear to have overwhelmingly approved a constitution drafted by the military backed government. Exit polls from Sunday's referendum show close to 70 percent of voters approved of the charter - a move that will pave the way for elections in December. The vote was a key step to return the country to democracy after a bloodless military coup¹ last September. Ron Corben reports for VOA from Bangkok.

Shortly after polling stations closed at 4 p.m. local, Thai television said exit polls showed the constitution had been approved.

TV announcers and online news reports said the Rajabhat Suan Dusit University poll showed about 68 percent of voters accepted the draft. Other polls carried similar results.

Military-installed interim² Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont quickly claimed victory. Appearing on national television early Sunday evening, he thanked Thai voters for their support, said the constitution would be submitted for the King's approval this month and elections for a new government would be set for December.

Pakern Sardaruwong, a 29-year-old law student, casting his approving vote central Bangkok, says his vote is a vote for democracy.

"I come here for the democracy of Thailand; the people of Thailand need it - the democracy," said Pakern Sardaruwong.

But critics say the charter is flawed because it was drafted by a military-appointed panel and the referendum was not a fair test of support. If voters had rejected the constitution, the government could have imposed any of Thailand's previous 17 constitutions and amended³ them freely.

A retired⁴ naval⁵ officer, who gave his name Khun Nat, says he preferred the 1997 constitution that was nullified with last year's coup.

"I think the old constitution is better. I voted no - not approve. The constitution belongs to the 'tahan' [military] not democracy. So I vote no. However, I think we will have an election within this year - I am sure," he said.

Defenders⁶ of the draft constitution say it introduces more checks and balances on executive power and limits the type of political manipulation they claim was used by ousted⁷ prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, to dominate parliament.

The 186-page charter reduces the number or parliamentary seats, calls for half the Senate to be appointed instead of directly elected, shifts some power from the executive to the judiciary and limits the prime minister's time in office.

Government spokesman, Yongyuth Mayalarp, says the referendum sends an important message to the international community.

"This is proof to the international audience that the present government, under General Surayud Chulanont, is keeping to the timetable as promised to the general public of returning to democracy again - that's when we've been doing all the way through," said Yongyuth Mayalarp.

Some 45 million voters were eligible⁸ to cast ballots⁹ at some 87,000 polling booths across the country. Voting was free of any disruption amid tight security.

1 coup   

n.政变；突然而成功的行动

参考例句：

• The monarch was ousted by a military coup.那君主被军事政变者废黜了。
• That government was overthrown in a military coup three years ago.那个政府在3年前的军事政变中被推翻。

2 interim   

adj.暂时的，临时的；n.间歇，过渡期间

参考例句：

• The government is taking interim measures to help those in immediate need.政府正在采取临时措施帮助那些有立即需要的人。
• It may turn out to be an interim technology.这可能只是个过渡技术。

3 Amended   

adj. 修正的 动词amend的过去式和过去分词

参考例句：

• He asked to see the amended version. 他要求看修订本。
• He amended his speech by making some additions and deletions. 他对讲稿作了些增删修改。

4 retired   

adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的

参考例句：

• The old man retired to the country for rest.这位老人下乡休息去了。
• Many retired people take up gardening as a hobby.许多退休的人都以从事园艺为嗜好。

5 naval   

adj.海军的，军舰的，船的

参考例句：

• He took part in a great naval battle.他参加了一次大海战。
• The harbour is an important naval base.该港是一个重要的海军基地。

6 defenders   

n.防御者( defender的名词复数 )；守卫者；保护者；辩护者

参考例句：

• The defenders were outnumbered and had to give in. 抵抗者寡不敌众，只能投降。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• After hard fighting,the defenders were still masters of the city. 守军经过奋战仍然控制着城市。 来自《简明英汉词典》

7 ousted   

驱逐( oust的过去式和过去分词 )； 革职； 罢黜； 剥夺

参考例句：

• He was ousted as chairman. 他的主席职务被革除了。
• He may be ousted by a military takeover. 他可能在一场军事接管中被赶下台。

8 eligible   

adj.有条件被选中的；(尤指婚姻等)合适(意)的

参考例句：

• He is an eligible young man.他是一个合格的年轻人。
• Helen married an eligible bachelor.海伦嫁给了一个中意的单身汉。

9 ballots   

n.投票表决( ballot的名词复数 )；选举；选票；投票总数v.（使）投票表决( ballot的第三人称单数 )

参考例句：

• They're counting the ballots. 他们正在计算选票。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The news of rigged ballots has rubbed off much of the shine of their election victory. 他们操纵选票的消息使他们在选举中获得的胜利大为减色。 来自《简明英汉词典》