Bangkok: Parit Thaksin Shinawatra has raised significant concerns over the use of QR codes and barcodes on election ballots, describing them as a major loophole that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process. During a recent press conference, Parit emphasized that these codes could potentially lead to dishonest elections by contradicting the secrecy required in voting. He has instructed Dr. Vayo Sukhothai to gather evidence and pursue legal action against the Election Commission under Section 157 of the Criminal Code at the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct.
According to Thai News Agency, Kittichai Techakulvanich and Parit Wacharasindhu of the People's Party also addressed the issue in a separate press conference, discussing the Election Commission's management of the election. They stressed the importance of transparency to ensure that votes are accurately recorded, regardless of the party voted for. Parit emphasized that their intention is not to alter or reject election results, but to hold accountable any officials who have neglected their duties or committed fraud, thereby establishing a trustworthy standard for future elections.
Mr. Parit further explained that the Election Commission has confirmed that each ballot's unique barcode or QR code can identify the voter, which is contrary to the principle of secret voting. This creates a vulnerability that could be exploited by political parties to verify voting patterns without accessing original ballot stubs. Although the Election Commission claims that these measures are for security purposes, the design of QR codes and barcodes raises concerns about the fairness and integrity of the election, as well as voter security.
The People's Party acknowledged the potential damage caused by the QR codes and barcodes, emphasizing that this issue could affect both past and future elections. They highlighted the risk of sensitive information being leaked if ballot papers and stubs are accessed, which could significantly influence election outcomes. Consequently, Dr. Wayo Asavarungruang has been tasked with gathering information to file a lawsuit against the Election Commission under Section 157 of the Criminal Code, which addresses the improper performance or omission of official duties.
Discrepancies in the number of ballots within constituencies have also been noted, with the Election Commission attributing these to errors in reporting results on its website. However, the People's Party insists that this information is based on data from results reporting boards in constituencies and calls for the Election Commission to provide clarity.
In terms of progress on applications for vote re-submission, Mr. Kittichai reported that 57 applications have been submitted, and the legal team is investigating 37 cases related to the Election Commission's administration. Additionally, over 4,000 online reports of alleged election fraud have been made, with investigations revealing approximately 1,260 cases. The legal team has forwarded this information to candidates for appeals against the announced results.
In another development, a complaint has emerged from Samut Prakan District 6, where a video clip shows election-related equipment, including ballot papers, being dumped. A police report has been filed, and the Election Commission is urged to investigate the incident and provide explanations. The candidate for Samut Prakan District 6 plans to file a complaint with the Election Commission to further probe these allegations.