Former judge asks why coded ballots drew no protest in 2023

Former Supreme Court judge Chuchart Srisaeng has questioned why people are now protesting against the printing of bar or QR codes on the ballot sheets used in this election and referendum, but remained quiet when similar ballot sheets were used in the 2023 election.

In his Facebook post, he cited an Election Commission’s (EC) regulation, which was published in the Royal Gazette on February 15, 2023, pertaining to the ballot sheets.

The rule states, in essence, that the EC may designate that a code, mark or any additional information be printed on the ballot sheets as a special case, without advance notification to protect against counterfeiting of the sheets.

Chuchart said he wonders why no law lecturers, other legal experts, members of the media or former election commissioners had not protested against the codes being on the ballot sheets in 2023. “Can anyone tell me why now?” he asked.

Today, the EC issued a brief statement, reiterating that the February 8 election/referendum, was held on the principle of “direct and secret voting”, in full compliance with legal requirements. It also appealed to all voters be assured that their voting confidentiality is protected by law.

It stated that the information about the choices made by individual voters is strictly confidential and is protected law. It cannot be disclosed.

Protesters are demanding recounts in all of the country’s 400 constituencies or a fresh election.