(Thailand, 15th) Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn presided over the opening ceremony of the new parliament on Saturday (March 14). Although incumbent Prime Minister Anutin's Bhumjaithai Party won the general election in early February, controversy over barcode violations on ballots has put judicial pressure on the Constitutional Court to decide whether to nullify the election.
According to The Nation, in his opening speech, the King emphasized that lawmakers should abide by the righteous path and prioritize the people's welfare above all. He hopes that parliamentary deliberations can be conducted according to the constitution and achieve results that truly benefit the nation and its people.
According to Reuters, the Office of the Ombudsman recently submitted a request to the Constitutional Court to review whether the barcodes and QR codes on ballots violate the principle of secret voting. The Ombudsman's Office pointed out that the barcodes and QR codes could potentially be used to trace voters’ choices, thus affecting the confidentiality of the vote.
The Election Commission explained that the barcodes were primarily designed for security management. In order to identify a voter's ballot, it would be necessary to have access to the sealed ballot stubs kept in custody, so there is no risk of disclosing voter identities.
In 2006, the Constitutional Court invalidated the general election due to a lack of voting secrecy.
The Bhumjaithai Party won at least 191 seats in the February 8 election, becoming the largest party in parliament. It formed a ruling coalition with Pheu Thai Party and several smaller parties, holding over 290 seats in total, and is expected to end years of prolonged political turmoil.
On Sunday (15th), members of parliament will meet again to elect the speaker and two deputy speakers. Bhumjaithai Party's Deputy Prime Minister, Sophaon, has been nominated as the candidate for speaker.
The new speaker will then arrange for a parliamentary vote to elect the prime minister. Anutin’s re-election as prime minister is virtually certain, and the vote could take place as soon as next Thursday (19th).
According to Reuters, the Office of the Ombudsman recently submitted a request to the Constitutional Court to review whether the barcodes and QR codes on ballots violate the principle of secret voting. The Ombudsman's Office pointed out that the barcodes and QR codes could potentially be used to trace voters’ choices, thus affecting the confidentiality of the vote.
The Election Commission explained that the barcodes were primarily designed for security management. In order to identify a voter's ballot, it would be necessary to have access to the sealed ballot stubs kept in custody, so there is no risk of disclosing voter identities.
In 2006, the Constitutional Court invalidated the general election due to a lack of voting secrecy.
The Bhumjaithai Party won at least 191 seats in the February 8 election, becoming the largest party in parliament. It formed a ruling coalition with Pheu Thai Party and several smaller parties, holding over 290 seats in total, and is expected to end years of prolonged political turmoil.
On Sunday (15th), members of parliament will meet again to elect the speaker and two deputy speakers. Bhumjaithai Party's Deputy Prime Minister, Sophaon, has been nominated as the candidate for speaker.
The new speaker will then arrange for a parliamentary vote to elect the prime minister. Anutin’s re-election as prime minister is virtually certain, and the vote could take place as soon as next Thursday (19th).