Unprecedented Ballot Shortage: Election Commission Forms Fact-Finding Committee, Will Disclose Causes and Responsibility

National Election Commission Holds Emergency Meeting Early Morning on June 4

The National Election Commission announced on June 4 that it would investigate the causes and responsibility for the shortage of ballots that occurred during the 9th nationwide local elections through a 'Fact-Finding Committee.'

The commission stated, "At the plenary meeting held early this morning, we decided to make every possible effort to immediately investigate the facts surrounding this incident and to prepare measures to prevent a recurrence, as soon as the vote counting for the 9th nationwide local elections is completed." It continued, "To identify the causes of the ballot shortage and to establish preventive measures, we are forming and operating a Fact-Finding Committee, which will primarily consist of external experts."

On the 4th, due to a shortage of ballots in the 9th nationwide local elections and the by-elections for the National Assembly, the voting time was extended until 10 p.m. In front of the 2nd polling station in Jamsil 7-dong, Songpa District, Seoul, citizens opposing the removal of ballot boxes were chanting slogans throughout the night. Photo by Yonhap News

According to this decision, the Fact-Finding Committee plans to analyze documents such as the records from the polling stations in question and to verify the circumstances at the scene by interviewing polling managers and staff.

The commission stated that it will share the issues, causes, and responsibility identified by the committee.

Meanwhile, the commission announced, "In order to determine the winners for the Seoul city and Songpa-gu constituencies, the Seoul Election Commission must visit the 2nd polling station in Jamsil 7-dong and open the ballot boxes. Only then can the winners for these constituencies be confirmed," adding, "We are currently working to persuade the residents who are still present at the polling station."

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