Thailand Rejects New Draft Constitution, Likely Leading To Delays In Path Toward Democracy

Thailand's military-backed legislature rejected a new draft constitution Sunday, which will likely mean that the first elections to be held since the military siezed power last year will be delayed until at least 2017.

One of the most contentious aspects of proposed constitution was the National Strategic Reform Committee, a so-called "crisis panel," which would empower a 22-person group, including the prime minister, and senior police and military leaders, to seize legislative and executive power during times of crisis.