Incheon education chief candidate files election appeal after narrow loss

Lee Dae-hyung, a candidate for Incheon Superintendent of Education, has filed an election appeal with the National Election Commission, demanding a recount. The appeal is based on a significant number of invalid votes and a shortage of ballots reported at two polling stations during the recent election.

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There were over 55,000 invalid votes, and if those are recounted, the winner could change or the vote difference could decrease.

Lee's campaign team revealed on June 8 that they submitted the appeal to verify the criteria used for classifying over 55,410 votes as invalid. They also aim to ascertain the impact of the ballot shortage at two Incheon polling stations on voters' rights.

Lee, who was categorized as a conservative candidate, narrowly lost the election to the incumbent, Do Sung-hoon. Lee secured 531,629 votes (35.59%), while Do received 542,849 votes (36.35%), a difference of 11,220 votes or 0.76 percentage points.

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A candidate cannot remain silent if questions are raised about the validity of a citizen's vote. However, this is not to emotionally reject the election results.

A representative from Lee's campaign expressed confidence that a recount of the invalid votes could potentially alter the election outcome or reduce the vote margin. Lee stated that he accepted the voices of young people and citizens who felt the election results were questionable, emphasizing that a candidate cannot remain silent when doubts arise about citizens' votes. However, he clarified that the appeal is not an emotional rejection of the results or an accusation of fraud, but rather a call for transparency and verification to ensure public trust in the electoral process.

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Elections are not completed by results alone. The process must be transparent and verifiable to gain citizens' trust.