Election Commission crisis widensControversies surrounding dubious ballot papers that may have compromised the principle of voting secrecy and poll integrity have put the Election Commission (EC) in hot water, amid rising public anxiety the Feb 8 national election might be nullified. Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, a former election commissioner, expressed concern about the lack of serial numbering, saying it could create opportunities for fraud, including the printing of excess ballots. In the 2023 poll, the EC announced results just three hours after polling booths closed. Such premature destruction may breach poll regulations, says Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, a legal expert at Thammasat University, who said the move could amount to destroying evidence. If the Feb 8 election is ultimately ruled unconstitutional, a new poll must be held in a free, fair and transparent manner to avoid a prolonged power vacuum.

Source: Bangkok Post February 26, 2026 02:09 UTC