South Korean Parliament Launches 45-Day Investigation into Ballot Shortage Incident

(Seoul, June 18, CNA Foreign News) The South Korean National Assembly today resolved in a plenary session to launch a 45-day parliamentary investigation into the National Election Commission (NEC) to clarify the reasons behind the ballot shortage during the local elections on June 3.

According to Reuters, the ballot shortage incident sparked public protests, led to the resignation of NEC Chairman Noh Tae-hak, and prompted President Lee Jae-myung to order a thorough investigation into the entire affair.

The special investigation committee established by the National Assembly will investigate the NEC and local election management authorities. National Assembly members pointed out that this incident involved the infringement of voting rights and highlighted the necessity of electoral reform.

The investigation committee is composed of members from the ruling Democratic Party, the main opposition People Power Party, and other smaller parties, and will be chaired by People Power Party member Yoon Sang-hyun.

Speaker Cho Jeong-sik emphasized, "This investigation is not an end, but a beginning. The parliamentary investigation should clarify the cause of the incident and propose electoral reform measures that can gain the trust of the public."

NEC officials stated on the 17th that during the local elections last month, 91 polling stations nationwide experienced ballot shortages, with 26 polling stations temporarily suspending voting operations. (Translator: Shih Shih) 1150618

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