What Are the Yellow, Orange, Red, and Black Cards After the 2026 Election? The Election Commission Faces Pressure for Recount

Clarifying the meanings of the yellow, orange, red, and black cards in the 2026 election. Explaining the Election Commission's authority to order vote recounts and punish parliamentary candidates who commit fraud. The latest updates from the 2026 election situation are provided.

It has become the talk of the town overnight regarding the 2026 election, especially in Chonburi District 1 and Pathum Thani District 7, where citizens have pressured for vote recounts after suspicious incidents such as power outages and black bags covering CCTV cameras were found. This has raised the question: if irregularities are confirmed, how will the Election Commission handle them?“Yellow, Orange, Red, and Black Cards”These terms are frequently heard, but what are their severity levels and conditions? Thairath Online provides the answers.

Explaining the meanings of the "Yellow, Orange, Red, and Black Cards" that determine the fate of the 2026 election.

The 2026 general election for Members of Parliament (MPs) has become a hot topic amid phenomenaof "discrepancies in ballots"and doubts about the vote counting in several constituencies, leading to pressure on the Election Commission (EC) to order a recount or to punish offenders under the law, whichis the "weapon"of the EC, divided into four levels as follows:

1. Yellow Card (Order New Election)

Used when the EC finds credible evidence that the election in that district was "not honest or fair," but it is not yet clear whether the winning candidate was responsible.

• Result: The EC will order a new election in that district, and the original candidates retain the right to run again as usual.

2. Orange Card (Temporary Suspension of Candidacy Rights)

This authority allows the EC to act "before announcing the election results" if there is clear evidence that a candidate committed fraud or colluded to allow others to commit offenses.

• Result: The candidate's right to run in elections is suspended temporarily, not exceeding one year. If that candidate wins, a new election must be held and the previous votes will be annulled.

3. Red Card (Disqualification from Voting Rights)

Used when there is clear evidence that a candidate committed election fraud. The EC must file a petition to the Court of Appeal or Supreme Court after the results are announced to obtain an order.

• Result: The candidate will be disqualified from voting rights for 10 years, and if currently an MP, must immediately vacate the position.

4. Black Card (Lifetime Disqualification from Candidacy)

This is the most severe punishment. The EC refers the case to the court if a candidate commits serious offenses under the constitutional law.

• Result: Lifetime disqualification from running for MP, senator, or local elections and holding political office. The individual cannot return to politics ever again.

When will the EC order a"recount"?

According to EC regulations, a recount will occur when:

1. There is a significant discrepancy between the number of voters and the number of ballots cast (ballot discrepancies).
2. Evidence emerges that vote counting was inaccurate or fraudulent at the polling station.
3. There is a complaint with sufficient evidence prompting the EC to decide to investigate.

How to act if you find suspicious activity: How to report election fraud in the 2026 election.

From the case in Pathum Thani District 7, where citizens monitored polling stations and found irregularities, it reflects the crucial role of social media and the public. If you witness events that pose a risk of fraud or want a recount, you can proceed as follows:

1. Gather solid evidence

Before reporting to the EC, it is essential to have "clear and verifiable evidence."

• Photos/Videos: Record events as they happen (such as black bags covering cameras, suspicious vote counting, or intimidation of voters).
• Witnesses: Names and contact details of those who saw the incidents.
• Details: Date, time, location (polling station number/district), and a detailed description of the incidents.

2. Reporting channels (choose whichever is convenient)

• "Tasapparod" Application: The fastest channel, allowing immediate submission of photos and videos via smartphone.
• EC Hotline 1444: For inquiries or initial reports of suspicions.
• Complaint centers: Visit the EC office in the respective province to submit an official complaint letter.
• Police report: If there is a direct offense or destruction of government property.

3. Complaint deadlines

• Objection to counting: Must be made immediately at the polling station by informing the presiding officer (PPO) to record it on form MP 5/6 (objection to vote counting).
• Objection to election results: Can be submitted within 30 days from the date the results are announced.

Why must we know about the "Yellow, Orange, Red, and Black Cards"?

In a democratic system, "votes" are crucial. The EC's authority to issue these cards or order recounts following calls from Chonburi and Pathum Thani is not only to punish candidates but to uphold rules fairly, ensuring the 2026 election results truly reflect the people's will.

Information from: *The Organic Act on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives - King Prajadhipok's Institute,Office of the Election Commission (EC)