Bangkok: The Election Commission has reiterated that the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA) disclosing voter details is a breach of the principle of "direct and secret voting." The Commission emphasized that the law explicitly prohibits such disclosure of voter information.
According to Thai News Agency, the Election Commission of Thailand highlighted the legal frameworks safeguarding voter secrecy, as outlined in the 2017 Constitution. The Commission clarified that voting must remain direct and secret, and any breach of this could have legal consequences.
The Commission referred to Section 146 of the Organic Act on the Election of Members of Parliament, noting that any election official disclosing which voters have cast their ballots or not, with the intent to benefit or disadvantage any candidate or political party, faces up to one year of imprisonment or a fine up to 20,000 baht, or both. The preservation of voter registration information is legally mandated to ensure voters can make informed and independent decisions without external pressure or interference.
The Election Commission of Thailand confirmed that the current election adheres to the principles of direct and secret voting, with clear legal measures in place to protect voters' rights and confidentiality.