President Lee Orders Expanded Probe into Election Commission Over Ballot Shortage

President Lee Jae-myung has ordered an expansion of the joint investigation headquarters looking into the National Election Commission, citing public concern over a ballot shortage. The president expressed frustration that the commission, as a constitutionally independent body, operates beyond government control, leading to internal issues.

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It seems that absurd things that the public cannot understand are happening within the internal operations, and if necessary, those problems should also be investigated.

"It seems that absurd things that the public cannot understand are happening within the internal operations," Lee said during a State Council meeting, adding that if necessary, these issues should also be investigated. He noted that the problems have accumulated to the point where a shortage of ballots caused disruptions to voting.

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The commission, established by the constitution as an independent body, is beyond government control, making it impossible to intervene.

Lee emphasized that the commission's inability to manage its affairs, despite South Korea's democracy being admired globally, leaves no room for excuses. He called for swift measures and solutions. The president also directed the investigation to look into indirect corruption, such as budget mismanagement and hiring irregularities, urging accountability for the commission's lax internal oversight.

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The fact that the National Election Commission, which is primarily responsible for this, has caused such an incident in a state of uncontrollable operation leaves no room for excuses.