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Ombudsman gives EC 7 days to explain barcode issue for Constitutional Court referral

Ombudsman gives EC 7 days to explain barcode issue for Constitutional Court referral

Khaosod•Politics•1d ago

Reader Briefing

The Ombudsman's Office has requested an explanation from the Election Commission (EC) regarding the alleged unconstitutionality of printing barcodes and QR codes on ballots within 7 days.

  • •The Ombudsman's Office has requested the EC to clarify the issue of barcodes and QR codes on ballots within 7 days.
  • •A complaint alleges that printing barcodes on ballots may violate Article 85 of the Constitution and Section 96 of the Organic Act on MP Elections.
  • •The Ombudsman's Office will decide whether to forward the case to the Constitutional Court for ruling.
  • •The request stems from 3 out of 12 complaints filed on February 13, 2026, concerning election management.

Overview

  • •On February 16, 2026, the Ombudsman's Office sent a letter to the EC.
  • •The letter was sent due to complaints alleging that printing barcodes and QR codes on ballots might violate the Constitution and election law.
  • •The Ombudsman's Office requested the EC to provide clarification on the barcode issue within 7 days.
  • •Complaints suggest that barcodes could allow tracing votes back to individual voters, potentially violating Article 85 of the Constitution and Section 96 of the Organic Act on MP Elections.
  • •On February 13, 2026, a total of 12 complaints were submitted to the Ombudsman's Office regarding election management.
  • •Three of these complaints specifically requested the Constitutional Court to rule on the matter of barcodes on ballots.
  • •After receiving the EC's explanation, the Ombudsman's Office will review the case and present it to the Ombudsman's meeting for deliberation.
  • •If the meeting deems the complaint valid, the case will be forwarded to the Constitutional Court; otherwise, the case will be closed.

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Key Entities

Organization

Ombudsman's Office(ผู้ตรวจการแผ่นดิน)
The governmental body that has requested an explanation from the EC regarding ballot barcodes and may refer the case to the Constitutional Court.
Election Commission (EC)(กกต.)
The organization being asked to explain the legality of printing barcodes and QR codes on election ballots.
Constitutional Court(ศาลรธน.)
The court that may rule on the constitutionality of election practices based on referrals.

Person

Phanphong Suphakson or Lawyer Aun Buriram(นายภัทรพงศ์ ศุภักษร หรือทนายอั๋น บุรีรัมย์)
One of the individuals who filed a complaint with the Ombudsman's Office regarding the ballot barcodes.
Thanawin Rattanakul Angkun(นายทันกวินท์ รัฐวัฒก์อังกูร)
A businessman and independent academic who filed one of the complaints with the Ombudsman's Office.
Tongsak Sai-Cheuah(นายทรงศัก สายเชื้อ)
The President of the Ombudsman's Office.
Pol.Lt.Gen. Yuthana Sa-nguanphokai(พล.ต.ท.ยุทธนา สงวนโภคัย)
An Ombudsman.

Law

Constitution Article 85(รธน. มาตรา 85)
The constitutional article that the printing of barcodes on ballots is alleged to violate.
Organic Act on MP Elections Section 96(พระราชบัญญัติประกอบรัฐธรรมนูญ (พ.ร.ป.) ว่าด้วยการเลือกตั้ง สส. มาตรา 96)
The specific section of the Organic Act on MP Elections that the ballot barcode practice is alleged to contravene.