Unprecedented 'Ballot Paper Shortage' Draws Criticism from Both Parties... Election Commission Says "Not Grounds for Re-Election"

Ballot Paper Shortages Reported in Songpa, Gangnam, and Gwangjin Districts

Ruling and Opposition Parties Blame Election Commission and Raise Questions of Accountability

Groups Alleging "Election Fraud" Hold Protest Rallies

During the 9th nationwide local elections, a shortage of ballot papers occurred, intensifying criticism of the overall election management by the National Election Commission. Both the ruling and opposition parties have pointed out issues of poor management, and there are also concerns that this could reignite so-called 'election fraud conspiracy theories.'

Yonhap News

According to the National Election Commission on June 4, as of 9 p.m. the previous day, the areas affected by the ballot paper shortage were 14 polling stations located in Jamsil 2-dong, Jamsil 4-dong, Jamsil 7-dong, Garak 2-dong, Munjeong 2-dong in Songpa-gu, Cheongdam-dong in Gangnam-gu, and Guui 3-dong in Gwangjin-gu, all in Seoul. The Commission stated, "We will check whether there are similar cases nationwide." The Commission urgently supplied additional ballot papers and allowed voting to proceed for voters who arrived at the polling stations before closing time. Heo Cheolhun, Secretary-General of the National Election Commission, said the previous day, "The number of ballot papers is determined by the resolution of the district election commission, taking into account recent voter turnout rates," adding, "There were more voters than expected."

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, paid protest visits overnight to the headquarters of the National Election Commission and the Seoul Metropolitan Election Commission. Hardline conservatives also held late-night rallies in Gwacheon, Gwanghwamun, and other locations, claiming 'election fraud.'

Han Byungdo, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, also commented, "Trust in elections must remain unshakable, but it is unacceptable that the Commission itself has abandoned that responsibility," and called on the Commission "to immediately investigate the cause and establish measures to prevent a recurrence."

However, the National Election Commission has drawn a line, stating that there is no legal basis for postponing or rerunning the election, as claimed by the opposition. Current law only allows for election postponement in cases of 'natural disasters or other unavoidable circumstances,' and for a rerun only 'when a ruling or decision invalidating part of the election has been finalized.'

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