Election Commission Apologizes for Ballot Shortage: "We Will Take Responsibility" (Comprehensive)

Ballot Shortages Reported on June 3 in Seoul, Incheon, and Other Regions

Secretary General Huh Cheol-hoon Issues Public Apology

No Apology Scheduled Yet from Election Commission Chairperson Noh Tae-ak

During the main voting process of the 9th nationwide local elections, a shortage of ballots occurred in some regions, prompting the National Election Commission to issue a public apology.

Huh Cheol-hoon, Secretary General of the National Election Commission, is apologizing to the public regarding the shortage of ballots on the main voting day of the June 3 local elections at the Central Election Commission office in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province on the 3rd. Photo by Yonhap News

On the evening of June 3, at the Election Commission office in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, Secretary General Huh Cheol-hoon stated, "During the voting process on election day, the shortage of ballots at some polling stations caused significant confusion and concern for the public. I deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused to citizens who came to exercise their valuable right to vote, and for undermining the public's trust in the fair management of the election. I fully accept responsibility and sincerely apologize." With these words, Secretary General Huh bowed his head in apology.

He explained, "As soon as the Commission became aware of the situation, we transported additional ballots to the polling stations experiencing shortages. We also ensured and informed voters waiting at those stations that they would be able to vote as usual even after the official closing time." He continued, "The National Election Commission takes this matter very seriously. As soon as the ballot counting is completed, we will thoroughly identify the causes and issues behind the ballot shortages at certain polling stations and prepare measures to prevent a recurrence."

Secretary General Huh added, "Once again, I apologize for causing disappointment due to inadequate preparation and response."

Earlier in the day, more than ten polling stations, including those in southeastern Seoul and Incheon, experienced ballot shortages, leading to temporary suspensions of voting.

In response, the Election Commission stated, "Voters waiting in line will be able to vote as usual even after the official closing time. Please do not misunderstand that voting is impossible today due to the ballot shortage."

When asked by reporters about "future additional measures," Secretary General Huh replied, "Since the ballot counting is still underway, it is a priority to complete the count properly and accurately identify the situation to inform the public. If there is anything to be held accountable for after that, I will take responsibility."

Regarding the particularly high number of polling stations with ballot shortages in Songpa District, he explained, "In the case of Songpa District, ballots were printed in amounts corresponding to 50% of the total electorate. We need to thoroughly investigate why there was a shortage despite advance voting."

He added, "The number of ballots is determined by considering recent voter turnout in past elections and anticipated early voting rates. This decision is made by a resolution of the local election committee members. In Songpa District, there are 146 polling stations in total, and it appears that the number of voters at some stations exceeded expectations, resulting in a shortage of ballots."

When asked, "Since the outcome of local elections can be decided by just a few votes, couldn't the inability of some people to vote today impact the results?" Secretary General Huh responded, "It is difficult for me to comment directly. I believe this is a matter that should be resolved according to the court's decision through legal procedures."

It has been confirmed that an apology from Commission Chairperson Noh Tae-ak has not yet been scheduled. Secretary General Huh stated, "As Secretary General, I am responsible for overseeing and managing the election. I have not considered an apology from the Chairperson due to the current circumstances."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.