Barcode row intensifies

Petitions filed to seek annulment of poll

- CHAIRIT YONPIAM

The controversy surrounding barcodes and QR codes printed on ballot papers in the Feb 8 general election has intensified, with petitions now filed with the Ombudsman and the Administrative Court.

Critics argue that the markings risk compromising ballot secrecy and could ultimately invalidate the poll.

Former Democrat MP for Nakhon Nayok, Chanchai Issarasenarak, is the latest to have submitted a formal complaint to the Ombudsman yesterday, requesting referral to the Constitutional Court under Section 46 of the Constitutional Court Procedures Act.

He is seeking a ruling to nullify the election, arguing that the constitution prohibits any identifying marks on ballot papers. By printing barcodes and QR codes, he alleges, the Election Commission (EC) breached the principle of secret voting guaranteed under Section 85 of the constitution.

Mr Chanchai said sample ballots publicised prior to polling day bore no such symbols, whereas the actual ballots used nationwide did. He presented ballot papers from the 2011 election as evidence, which he said contained no traceable markings.