BANGKOK - Thailand's Constitutional Court issued an official announcement on Wednesday stating it has accepted a petition filed by the Thai Ombudsman seeking to declare the House of Representatives election invalid.

The Election Commission has been ordered to submit its explanation within 15 days.

The ombudsman asked the Constitutional Court to rule against the Election Commission, its secretary-general, and officials, who are accused of designing and printing ballot papers with barcodes and QR codes for the House of Representatives election held on Feb 8, according to the announcement.

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The petition argues that such ballot papers could allow voter identities and voting choices to be traced and verified, violating the secrecy of the ballot.

The Constitutional Court voted 6 to 3 to accept the petition. Under legal requirements, all relevant parties must submit their defenses and supporting evidence within 15 days.

Thailand's House of Representatives had been scheduled to convene on Thursday for a vote to select the prime minister. Under Thailand's constitution, the process of forming the government on Thursday will be carried out by the House of Representatives alone.

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The results of the Feb 8 general election have already been confirmed, with the Bhumjaithai Party led by incumbent caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul winning the largest number of seats in the House.