Lee orders probes into election watchdog after ballot shortage ‘undermines popular sovereignty’

President Lee Jae Myung has sharply criticized the National Election Commission (NEC) following a ballot shortage during South Korea's local elections. He expressed "deep regret as a Korean citizen and as the person in charge of the government," stating the NEC "seriously impeded Koreans in their exercise of the right to vote."

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The National Election Commission seriously impeded Koreans in their exercise of the right to vote during the June 3 local elections. The accident itself was inexcusable, and the NEC’s subsequent response and public explanations have been inadequate.

In a social media post, Lee described the incident as "inexcusable" and its public explanations as "inadequate." He stressed that the right to vote is a constitutional right that "cannot be restricted or infringed for any reason." The president declared the shortage a "serious incident undermining the foundations of popular sovereignty."

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Citizens’ right to vote is a constitutional right that cannot be restricted or infringed for any reason. This was a serious incident undermining the foundations of popular sovereignty.

To address the debacle, Lee has called for a parliamentary probe into the NEC's actions, aiming for a clear explanation and measures to prevent recurrence. He also requested lawmakers consider "fundamental institutional reforms at the NEC." Furthermore, a joint investigation by the police and prosecution service has been ordered to "get to the bottom of this and identify the people responsible."

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It would be meaningless to maintain an independent body that has lost the confidence of the public.

Lee highlighted the NEC chairperson's constitutional status, comparable to high-ranking officials, but argued that "it would be meaningless to maintain an independent body that has lost the confidence of the public." He urged the NEC to undertake a "fundamental review of every aspect of organizational operations and electoral management" to regain public trust. The president's recent meeting with key government officials notably excluded the NEC chair, who had recently stepped down.

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The NEC will have to treat this incident with the appropriate gravity and demonstrate its commitment to a fundamental review of every aspect of organizational operations and electoral management, along with an institutional and internal overhaul on a scale that will win back public confidence.