EC reaffirms vote secrecy amid barcode worriesA polling unit staff member holds up a party-list ballot during counting in Bangkok on Feb 8. (Photo: Reuters)The Election Commission on Sunday reaffirmed that the Feb 8 general election was run in strict compliance with the principle of “direct and secret voting”. Every stage of the process, including voters’ choices, was protected by law, the EC said, as it moved to address concerns that barcodes on ballot papers could have compromised voter confidentiality. The EC last week dismissed a petition for a recount in Chon Buri’s constituency 1, saying no evidence of irregularities was found. Members of the public who still had questions were encouraged to seek further information from the EC’s website, provincial EC offices, or the commission’s 1444 hotline.

Source: Bangkok Post February 15, 2026 15:07 UTC