Lee Targets Election Commission: "No Reason to Exist Without Trust... Orders Joint Investigation by Prosecutors and Police"

President Lee Sends SNS Message on June 7
"Deep Regret Over Undermining of Popular Sovereignty"

On June 7, President Lee Jaemyung strongly criticized the National Election Commission, which was responsible for the ballot paper shortage incident, stating, "An independent agency that has lost the trust of the people has no reason to exist." He also announced that he had ordered the formation of a joint investigation team involving both the prosecution and the police.

On this day, President Lee wrote on his X account (formerly Twitter), "The reason the Chairman of the National Election Commission is designated as one of the five key figures of the state is because the Election Commission, like the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, is an independent agency vested with corresponding authority, duties, and responsibilities."

Yonhap News Agency

President Lee criticized, "During the June 3 local elections, the Election Commission seriously impeded the people's right to participate in politics. The incident itself is difficult to understand, and furthermore, the subsequent response and the explanations provided to the public were insufficient."

President Lee added, "The people's right to participate in politics is a constitutional right that must not be restricted or infringed upon for any reason. This incident constitutes a grave matter that undermines the very foundation of popular sovereignty. As one of the people and as the President responsible for the government, I express my deep regret."

He also urged, "I ask the National Assembly to promptly carry out a parliamentary investigation to clearly identify the facts of this incident and establish measures to prevent a recurrence. In addition, I request that fundamental institutional reforms for the Election Commission be discussed as well."

Furthermore, President Lee stated, "The government will also take all possible measures at the executive level, given the seriousness of this incident. I have instructed that a joint investigation team involving the prosecution and the police be formed to clearly determine responsibility and thoroughly uncover the full circumstances of the case."

He emphasized, "The Election Commission must take this incident seriously and conduct a fundamental review of its organizational operation and election management as a whole, as well as clearly demonstrate a strong commitment to reform and renewal at a level that can regain the public's trust."

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