Bangkok: The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) has reiterated that the barcode on ballot papers does not compromise the principles of direct and secret voting as outlined in the Constitution.
According to Thai News Agency, the ECT issued a statement via the Anti-Fake News Center to address concerns regarding the security measures employed in the parliamentary election ballots. Some reports had suggested that the use of barcodes might infringe on the confidentiality of votes. The ECT clarified that the voting process remains direct and secret, requiring eligible voters to personally cast and deposit their ballots without disclosing their choices.
The ECT further explained the security measures in place, highlighting that the 2018 Act on the Election of Members of Parliament empowers them to define the characteristics of the ballot paper. This includes the use of codes, symbols, or special text to detect forgery or unauthorized removal of ballots. These measures help control ballot quantities, categorize them by district, and prevent electoral fraud.
Post-voting procedures involve sealing ballot papers, stubs, and related documents in transparent bags, which are then placed in a sealed ballot box for secure storage. The ECT emphasized that these boxes are not accessible to unauthorized individuals and are stored according to their regulations.
The ECT assured voters that the use of barcodes is a protective measure against fraud and does not infringe on their constitutional rights to a direct and secret vote. Voters can confidently participate in the electoral process, knowing their votes are safeguarded by law.