The Election Commission (EC) insists it has acted lawfully to ensure elections remain free, fair and secret, amid intense scrutiny over its controversial ballot design. EC secretary-general Sawaeng Boon­mee on Friday addressed ongoing legal concerns about ballot papers containing barcodes and QR codes, which critics argue could compromise ballot secrecy. Mr Sawaeng said the EC is awaiting a summons from the court to provide testimony on specific matters, while emphasising that all elections held by the commission are conducted fairly and lawfully by secret ballot. Mr Sawaeng said the approach the court will use to review the case will depend on the specific issues it wants clarified. Asked whether evidence presented by civil groups or former EC officials, such as simulated election scenarios, would hold weight in court, he refused to comment.

Source: Bangkok Post March 21, 2026 08:47 UTC