Democrats to Pursue Parliamentary Probe into Election Ballot Shortage

The Democratic Party has announced plans to launch a parliamentary investigation into the ballot shortage that plagued South Korea's June 3 local elections and concurrent by-elections. The party described the incident as "incomprehensible and absurd," stating it cannot be simply overlooked, even with the resignations of NEC Chairman Noh Tae-ak and Secretary-General Huh Cheol-hoon.

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This ballot shortage incident is incomprehensible and absurd, and it cannot be overlooked. We will also push for a parliamentary investigation.

"South Korea is recognized globally for its advanced democracy and election systems, which are even studied in the Middle East," said Han Byung-do, the party's co-chair of the joint election committee. "Yet, a shameful incident like a ballot shortage occurred right here in Korea."

Han indicated that the party would discuss the fastest and most effective method for launching the investigation with other parties, given that parliamentary standing committees have not yet been formed following the election of the new National Assembly speaker. While acknowledging that some parties have called for a special prosecutor, Han expressed skepticism, suggesting that a parliamentary inquiry would be sufficient to uncover the facts.

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South Korea is recognized globally for its advanced democracy and election systems... Yet, a shameful incident like a ballot shortage occurred right here in Korea.

"In cases involving private entities, parliamentary investigations can have limitations, but with the NEC, there should be no significant difficulty in conducting investigations and uncovering the truth," Han explained. The scope of the investigation is expected to extend beyond the immediate cause of the ballot shortage to address "fundamental problems within the NEC itself."

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There should be no significant difficulty in conducting investigations and uncovering the truth [with the NEC].