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 for causing the ballot shortage crisis, stating, "An independent institution that has lost the trust of the people has no reason to exist." He also announced that he had ordered the establishment 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 that the Chairperson of the National Election Commission is designated as one of the five key state officials is because the Commission, like the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, is an independent institution with corresponding authority, obligations, and responsibility."

Yonhap News Agency

President Lee remarked, "During the June 3 local elections, the National Election Commission severely disrupted the public's right to participate in the political process," adding, "Not only is the incident itself difficult to understand, but the subsequent response and explanations to the people were also insufficient."

President Lee continued, "The public's right to vote is a constitutional right that must not be restricted or infringed upon for any reason, and this incident is a serious matter that undermines the very foundation of popular sovereignty. As a member of the public and as the President responsible for the government, I express my deepest regret."

He also urged, "The National Assembly should promptly conduct a thorough parliamentary investigation to clearly determine the facts of this incident and establish measures to prevent its recurrence. In addition, I request that fundamental institutional reforms to the National Election Commission be discussed together."

Furthermore, President Lee stated, "The government will also take every possible administrative measure in light of the seriousness of the matter," adding, "I have instructed the formation of a joint investigation team involving the prosecution and the police to clearly identify those responsible and to thoroughly uncover the full circumstances of the incident."

He emphasized, "The National Election Commission must take this matter very seriously and conduct a fundamental review of its organizational operations and overall election management, and must demonstrate a strong commitment to reform and renewal that meets the level of public trust."

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