Election Commission Amends Witness List in Ballot Barcode Case; Constitutional Court Orders Witnesses to File Statements Within 15 Days
Thailand's Constitutional Court has ordered the Election Commission and relevant witnesses to submit written statements and clarifications within 15 days regarding the use of QR codes and barcodes on ballots in the February 2569 parliamentary elections. The court is investigating whether the ballot design, which could potentially identify voters and their choices, violates the constitutional requirement for secret voting. The Ombudsman had filed 21 complaints challenging the legality of the ballot system.
The Election Commission has filed to amend the witness list in the QR code and barcode ballot case; the Constitutional Court orders cited witnesses and relevant parties to file clarifying statements within 15 days.
On April 30, 2569, the Constitutional Court considered a petition from the Ombudsman requesting a Constitutional Court ruling under Section 213 of the Constitution, noting receipt of 21 complaints and requesting the Court's consideration along with its opinion regarding the Election Commission's conduct of the February 8, 2569 general parliamentary elections.
The case involves the Election Commission's design and printing of ballots using barcode and QR code systems, which potentially allow the identification and verification of voter identity and voting results, thereby compromising ballot secrecy and potentially violating the Constitution. The respondent Election Commission submitted an amended witness list on April 24, 2569, seeking to modify the earlier version filed on April 17, 2569.
After deliberation, the Constitutional Court determined that to facilitate its consideration, cited witnesses should prepare written statements, and relevant agencies and parties should prepare written opinions addressing issues specified by the Court, along with copies of supporting documents, to be submitted to the Constitutional Court within 15 days from receipt of this notice for the Court's further consideration and ruling.