Throwing a Decisive Punch - Secret or Not Secret? Void or Not Void?

The barcode and QR code on election ballots are challenging the Election Commission's credibility regarding the principle of 'secret voting'. The EC explains it's a measure to prevent ghost votes, which can be scanned and verified against the original ballot stub without identifying the voter or their chosen party. However, the counterargument is that if ballots can be traced back, it creates suspicion and risks breaking the secrecy of voting booths. With public trust eroding, daily EC explanations are not helping. The matter has escalated with complaints filed to the Constitutional Court and Administrative Court, expanding the possibility of the election being declared void. Legal experts suggest that courts will examine whether such technical measures fundamentally compromise the election's integrity. If seen as a mere anti-fraud measure with no proven privacy violation, the chances of voiding the election are low. However, if the court determines that the codes could potentially link back to the original ballot and violate the 'secret' principle, even theoretically, it could lead to a new election. The best way forward is transparent technical disclosure, independent expert verification of the barcode system, and willingness to address any potential vulnerabilities.