The Ombudsman stopped the Election Commission's request to postpone submitting evidence in the barcode ballot case, allowing time only until 27 February.
On 20 February 2026, the Office of the Ombudsman issued a statement updating the progress of the petition to examine whether the 8 February 2026 general election violated the constitution. It stated that it had received a letter from the Election Commission requesting a 7-day extension to submit explanations and evidence beyond the original deadline of 23 February, citing the large volume of detailed information to be compiled.
However, the Ombudsman meeting concluded that this is a nationally significant matter affecting public confidence in the election process. It is therefore necessary to establish the facts as quickly as possible to avoid delays in submitting the case to the Constitutional Court for a ruling.
Under the authority of the Ombudsman Act, B.E. 2560 (2017), the Ombudsman resolved to grant the Election Commission an extension only until 27 February 2026. It emphasized that if no explanation is submitted by then, the Ombudsman will immediately proceed to investigate and determine the facts based on the available evidence, to protect the rights and interests of the public in accordance with the constitution's intent.