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Ombudsman probes EC ballot barcode, demands explanation in 7 days

Ombudsman probes EC ballot barcode, demands explanation in 7 days

MGR Online•Politics•1d ago

Reader Briefing

The Ombudsman has requested the Election Commission (EC) provide clarification within seven days regarding the controversial printing of barcodes on ballots, a move that could lead to a referral to the Constitutional Court.

  • •The Ombudsman has formally asked the EC to explain the legality of printing barcodes and QR codes on election ballots.
  • •The issue stems from concerns that the barcodes could allow tracing of votes, potentially violating constitutional and election laws.
  • •The EC has been given a 7-day deadline to respond before the Ombudsman decides whether to forward the case to the Constitutional Court.
  • •Multiple petitions have been filed with the Ombudsman concerning election irregularities, including this barcode issue.

Overview

  • •On February 16, the Ombudsman's Office sent a letter to the Election Commission's Office requesting clarification.
  • •The Ombudsman's Office is seeking an explanation regarding the printing of barcodes and QR codes on election ballots.
  • •The request for clarification is due to petitions alleging that the barcodes may violate Article 85 of the Constitution and Section 96 of the Organic Act on the Election of Members of Parliament, due to potential traceability of votes.
  • •The Election Commission's Office must provide clarification within 7 days of receiving the Ombudsman's letter.
  • •The Ombudsman's Office will review the EC's response before deciding to refer the case to the Constitutional Court.
  • •The Ombudsman's Office is currently handling 12 petitions related to election management, submitted on February 13.
  • •Three specific petitions concerning the barcode printing issue triggered the Ombudsman's letter to the EC.
  • •The Ombudsman's Office currently has two members, with a third position undergoing selection.

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Key Entities

Organization

Ombudsman(ผู้ตรวจการแผ่นดิน)
The governmental body responsible for investigating public complaints and maladministration.
Election Commission (EC)(กกต.)ℹ️
The governmental body responsible for organizing and overseeing elections in Thailand.
Constitutional Court(ศาล รธน.)ℹ️
The court responsible for interpreting the Constitution and ruling on the constitutionality of laws and government actions.

Person

Phatharapong Suppakorn(นายภัทรพงศ์ ศุภักษร)
A petitioner who filed a complaint with the Ombudsman regarding the ballot barcodes.
Lawyer Aun Buriram(ทนายอั๋น บุรีรัมย์)
Also known as Phatharapong Suppakorn, a petitioner involved in the ballot barcode complaint.
Thunkawin Ratthawatanangkun(นายทันกวินท์ รัฐวัฒก์อังกูร)
A businessman and independent academic who filed a complaint with the Ombudsman regarding the ballot barcodes.
Songsak Saichuea(นายทรงศัก สายเชื้อ)
The President of the Ombudsman.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Yuthana Sa-nguanphokai(พล.ต.ท.ยุทธนา สงวนโภคัย)
An Ombudsman.

Law

Section 85(มาตรา 85)
A section of the Thai Constitution relevant to election procedures.
Organic Act on the Election of Members of Parliament, Section 96(พระราชบัญญัติประกอบรัฐธรรมนูญว่าด้วยการเลือกตั้ง สส. มาตรา 96)
A specific section of election law that is being questioned in relation to the ballot barcodes.