Bangkok: Akkarawat, an alternate senator, has officially filed a complaint with the Ombudsman, urging for an investigation into the Election Commission's actions concerning the inclusion of QR codes and barcodes on election ballots. This move raises concerns about potential violations of the Constitution and questions the validity of the recent election.
According to Thai News Agency, Senator Akkarawat Pongthanachalitkul has submitted a formal request to the Ombudsman to investigate whether the Election Commission exceeded its authority by including QR codes and barcodes on ballots. He argues that these actions could infringe on the principles of direct and secret elections, as guaranteed by the Constitution. Akkarawat contends that the Election Commission's responsibility is strictly to organize elections and not to act arbitrarily.
Mr. Akkarawat emphasized the need for fairness, accuracy, and integrity in the election process, recalling a previous petition he filed with the Administrative Court, which is still under consideration. He argues that the February 8, 2026 election should have been conducted transparently, comparing the situation to a wedding organizer abandoning an event. He expressed doubts about the Election Commission's ability to manage over 55 million eligible voters, given the population size of over 60 million.
The senator's complaint highlights the potential risk of QR codes and barcodes compromising voter secrecy and invalidating the ballots. If proven, the election could be declared void, although such a decision would require action from relevant authorities. Akkarawat suggests that the Ombudsman should forward the complaint to the Constitutional Court for further examination.
The complaint further discusses the financial implications, noting that while the election budget was 8 billion baht, a new election could be justified compared to the 3.7 trillion baht national budget. He stresses that ensuring transparent elections outweighs the potential financial burden, especially to prevent illegitimate and corrupt leadership.
Akkarawat also linked the issue to broader concerns about Thailand's image and economic confidence, especially in the context of the 2024 Senate election. He fears that a lack of transparency could discourage foreign investment and weaken Thailand's position in the ASEAN region.
Despite these serious allegations, Akkarawat clarified that the complaint does not aim to obstruct any political party, including the blue party, but to address what he perceives as a mistake by the Election Commission. He emphasized the need for continuous governance founded on fairness and justice.
He also questioned the delay in the Senate election process, raising concerns about the selection of two additional Election Commissioners and the prolonged deliberation period of Subcommittee 36. Akkarawat criticized Mr. Saeng Boonmee, Secretary-General of the Election Commission, as the root cause of the problem, questioning the Commission's neutrality.
In a pointed remark, Mr. Akkharawat addressed a civil servant, cautioning against the eagerness to become a governor, drawing a parallel between QR codes and lottery tickets. He warned that civil servants must remain neutral and highlighted ongoing inspections in Pattani.
Finally, Akkarawat refuted claims that QR codes are solely for preventing counterfeit ballots, citing an example involving his own card and raising concerns about privacy and voter secrecy.