Police Summon Election Commission Officials Over Ballot Paper Shortage

Following Investigations of Complainants and Voters, Police Begin Questioning Election Officials
Investigation Accelerates; Ballot Preparation to Be Examined

The police investigating the ballot paper shortage that occurred during the June 3 local elections have begun questioning officials from the Election Commission.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Special Crime Investigation Division announced on June 9 that it has requested attendance from officials at district election commissions in areas affected by the ballot shortage, such as the Gwangjin District Election Commission in Seoul, and is currently coordinating the schedule.

Entrance of the Central Election Commission in Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The police plan to summon these individuals as witnesses to verify how the reporting and command structure operated between the Central Election Commission, the Seoul City Election Commission, and the local commissions on election day, as well as to check for any issues in the ballot paper printing and distribution process.

Previously, the Citizens' Committee for the Protection of Ordinary People's Livelihoods filed criminal complaints, including for dereliction of duty, against former Central Election Commission Chairman Noh Tae-ak and other senior officials. After being assigned the case, the police questioned the complainants and subsequently interviewed citizens who were unable to vote due to the ballot shortage, as well as public officials who were mobilized for election duties. The police also secured and are analyzing relevant materials, such as chat logs of election workers and CCTV footage from inside polling stations.

The police intend to proceed swiftly with the necessary investigation until the joint prosecution-police investigation headquarters becomes fully operational. Once the joint task force is established, related cases are expected to be handled under its system.

An official from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency stated, "We have requested attendance from each election commission official and are currently coordinating the attendance dates."

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