11 Universities Demand EC Accountability for Election Fraud Over Barcode Issue

Khaosod•Politics•11h ago

Reader Briefing

A coalition of 11 universities and civil society groups demands accountability from the Election Commission (EC) for alleged election irregularities involving barcode issues on ballots.

•11 universities and civil society groups are demanding compensation from the Election Commission (EC) regarding alleged election fraud.
•The core issue revolves around barcode problems on election ballots, which are claimed to have compromised the integrity of the election and referendum.
•Protests have occurred, including one in Saen Suk Municipality, Chonburi, demanding a recount due to suspicious anomalies like errors in vote counting and finding ballot papers in garbage bins.
•The EC has dismissed these concerns, citing insufficient evidence, and the groups argue that the EC has failed to respect the votes of the people.

Overview

•On February 8, 2026, elections for members of parliament and a referendum were held.
•The 'Civic Sector Declaration' was posted on Facebook by the 'United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration'.
•The election and referendum on February 8, 2026, are alleged to have been not transparent, honest, or fair due to barcode issues on ballots.
•Public confidence in the Election Commission (EC) has fallen to an all-time low due to the alleged election irregularities.
•The Civic Sector gathered at Saen Suk Municipality Badminton Court to demand a recount in Constituency 1, Chonburi.
•The EC dismissed proposals for a recount, stating there was insufficient evidence.
•The handling of vote counting, ballot boxes, tally sheets, and the printing of barcodes and QR codes on ballots may have compromised election secrecy and potentially violated the constitution.
•The coalition is calling for all citizens, students, civil society organizations, and political parties to speak out and demand accountability from the EC.

Full article content is available on the original source.

Read on Khaosod (Thai Version)

Source: Khaosod (Original)

View Original Article

Key Quotes

Civic Sector

"The Election Commission must compensate."

คณะกรรมการการเลือกตั้งต้องชดใช้

Civic Sector

"We therefore demand that the EC come out to take responsibility and compensate for the errors that occurred during their duties, which directly impacted the people who are the owners of supreme power."

พวกเราจึงต้องการเรียกร้อง ให้ กกต. ออกมาแสดงความรับผิดชอบและชดใช้ความผิดพลาดที่เกิดขึ้นจากการปฏิบัติหน้าที่ที่ส่งผลกระทบต่อประชาชนผู้เป็นเจ้าของอำนาจอธิปไตยโดยตรง

Key Entities

Organization

Election Commission (EC)(กกต.)ℹ️

The Thai organization responsible for overseeing elections, accused of mishandling the recent election due to barcode issues.

United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration(แนวร่วมธรรมศาสตร์และการชุมนุม)

An organization that posted the 'Civic Sector Declaration' demanding accountability from the Election Commission.

11 Universities(11 มหาวิทยาลัย)

A collective of universities demanding accountability from the Election Commission for alleged election fraud.

Place

Saen Suk Municipality Badminton Court(สนามแบตมินตันเทศบาลเมืองแสนสุข)

The location where citizens gathered to demand a recount for Constituency 1, Chonburi, in response to alleged election irregularities.

Constituency 1, Chonburi Province(เขตเลือกตั้งที่ 1 จังหวัดชลบุรี)

The specific electoral district where irregularities were observed, leading to demands for a recount.

Law

Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2017(รัฐธรรมนูญแห่งราชอาณาจักรไทย พ.ศ. 2017)

The current constitution under which accountability challenges against the EC are being raised.