THAILAND’S military government announced a referendum on a draft constitution yesterday, but warned that elections could be delayed.

The details of the proposed new constitution had already been made public, but amendments to the existing interim charter would be required to accomodate the plebiscite.

Planned changes include the introduction of proportional representation in parliamentary elections, an upper house of parliament with mostly unelected members and the possibility of parliament choosing a non-MP as prime minister.

Critics said the constitutional changes were aimed to keep the wealthy Shinawatra family and its Red Shirt supporters out of power.

Former Manchester City FC owner Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister Yingluk served as prime minister, only to be deposed by military coups in 2006 and 2014 respectively.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said the referendum would delay elections by three months, but they might take place early next year.