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🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

Joint prosecutor-police probe launched into ballot shortage

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • The Supreme Prosecutors' Office announced the formation of a joint investigative headquarters with the police to investigate the ballot shortage during the June 3 local elections.
  • President Lee Jae-myung had previously ordered the creation of this joint task force, emphasizing the need to clarify responsibility and thoroughly investigate the incident.
  • The investigation aims to address public concerns and uncover the full extent of the issue, which President Lee described as a significant threat to popular sovereignty.

The Supreme Prosecutors' Office has confirmed the establishment of a joint investigative headquarters with the police to thoroughly investigate the ballot shortage incident that occurred during the June 3 local elections. The announcement came late Tuesday evening, with the prosecution stating its commitment to "swiftly form a joint investigative headquarters with the police and conduct efficient investigations through close cooperation to rigorously uncover the public's suspicions regarding this incident."

The prosecution will swiftly form a joint investigative headquarters with the police and conduct efficient investigations through close cooperation to rigorously uncover the public's suspicions regarding this incident.

— Supreme Prosecutors' OfficeAnnouncing the formation of the joint investigative task force.

This move follows President Lee Jae-myung's directive earlier in the day. Through a social media post, President Lee had instructed the formation of a joint task force involving prosecutors and police to "clarify responsibility and thoroughly investigate the full scope of the incident." He characterized the ballot shortage as a "grave matter that undermines the foundation of popular sovereignty" and expressed deep regret.

Prosecutors and police will participate in a joint investigative headquarters to clarify responsibility and thoroughly investigate the full scope of the incident.

— President Lee Jae-myungDirecting the formation of the investigative body.

President Lee reiterated that "citizens' right to participate in elections must not be restricted or infringed upon under any circumstances, as it is a constitutional right." He pledged that the government would take all necessary administrative measures, considering the gravity of the situation.

This is a grave matter that undermines the foundation of popular sovereignty.

— President Lee Jae-myungDescribing the seriousness of the ballot shortage.

The joint investigation is expected to delve into the causes and extent of the ballot shortage, aiming to restore public trust in the electoral process. The incident has raised significant concerns about election management and the integrity of voting procedures, prompting calls for accountability from various political factions and the public.

Citizens' right to participate in elections must not be restricted or infringed upon under any circumstances, as it is a constitutional right.

— President Lee Jae-myungEmphasizing the fundamental nature of voting rights.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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