Two political parties and a pro-election group submitted a three-point petition on Wednesday to the Election Commission (EC) over the controversial format of the proposed ballot paper and candidate numbers.
In their petition, the Pheu Thai and Pheu Chart parties and the Free, Fair and Fruitful Election (FFFE) group said the ballot paper must include the logos and names of political parties and the EC should give candidates of a party the same number.
Under the new rules, candidates contesting in different constituencies will be assigned different numbers despite being fielded by the same party, instead of the same numbers as in the previous elections. The numbers are decided by a draw.
The coalition also called on the Prayut administration to reduce its role to a caretaker government in the build-up to the general election to avoid the exploitation of resources in favour of a certain political party, and refrain from interfering in the EC's work.
Anusorn Unno, a lecturer from Thammasat University and a core member of the FFFE, read the statement before handing over the petition to the EC.
He said concerns are growing among parties and civic groups over certain issues ahead of the elections, including the new electoral map and the format of the ballot paper. The proposed design of the ballot paper, in which logos and names of the parties are omitted, and the different numbers assigned to candidates are not in the best interest of voters and the elections, he said.
Laddawan Wongsriwong, spokeswoman of the Pheu Thai Party, said the party joined the call because the party believes people should be able to vote correctly.
Instead of asking parties to negotiate over candidate numbers, the EC should make the changes as it has the authority, she said. It was reported that a deputy secretary-general of the Office of EC has recommended that parties hold talks to settle the issue.
Nattha Mahatthana, another core FFFE member, said the EC should push for an amendment so candidates of the same party will get the same numbers. The EC should push for an amendment in a timely manner and avoid another delay, as its job is to ensure the ease and convenience of voting for the public, she said.
Ms Nattha also rejected the EC's suggestion to hold talks on the issue of candidate numbers as "ridiculous". She said talks are likely to be inconclusive due to the large number of parties competing in the election.
Meanwhile, Wirat Warotsirin, deputy leader of Seri Ruam Thai Party, suggested the names of the prime minister candidates should be included in the ballot paper.
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