The Election Commission has issued a regulation allowing eligible voters in each referendum voting unit to file objections to the voting results with the provincial Election Commission or ambassador within 48 hours. If the complaint is substantiated, an investigation lasting 12-18 days will be conducted before a final decision is made.
On 17 Jan 2026 GMT+7, the Royal Gazette published the Election Commission's regulation on objections to referendum voting results for 2026. It authorizes provincial Election Commission offices, embassies, and consulates to establish investigative committees to examine objections to referendum votes within their jurisdiction.
Embassies and consulates are responsible for organizing referendum voting before the voting day. The investigative committee consists of a chairperson and at least two members, empowered to investigate facts in case of objections or indications that voting was not conducted fairly and honestly. They examine, gather evidence, adjudicate, and can recommend reopening ballot counting. The committee must conclude its report within 12 days but may extend the investigation twice by 3 days each time if needed.
The regulation also specifies that only eligible voters in the voting unit concerned may file objections. Objections must be submitted in person or by authorized representatives to the provincial Election Commission director or ambassador within 48 hours after voting ends. For overseas voting, complaints can be filed at the Election Commission office. The director or ambassador must decide whether to accept the objection on the day it is received, allowing one day for incomplete complaints to be corrected. Once the investigative committee finishes its report, results must be promptly submitted to the Election Commission. For overseas voting objections, ambassadors send investigation results through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Election Commission for further consideration.