Ruling party lawmaker reports election commission chief to police over ballot shortage

A member of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) has officially filed a police complaint against the chief of the National Election Commission (NEC) and other senior officials concerning a ballot shortage that occurred during the recent local elections. Rep. Joo Jin-woo lodged the complaint with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, accusing NEC Chairman Noh Tae-ak and Secretary-General Huh Cheol-hoon of dereliction of duty and abuse of power.

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A tragedy occurred where residents could not vote because there were no ballots. This incident directly violated the people's right to vote guaranteed by the Constitution, so we had no choice but to respond strongly.

Joo stated that the incident, where voters were unable to cast their ballots due to a lack of materials, constituted a direct violation of citizens' constitutionally guaranteed right to vote. He emphasized the necessity of a strong response to such a grave infringement. The lawmaker also pointed to alleged irregularities during the ballot transportation process, claiming that police intervention was forceful, resulting in injuries to citizens, and that only police, not election observers, accompanied the ballot transport. He further alleged that the counting process began with only one PPP observer present, deeming these actions illegal.

The complaint follows earlier legal actions by civic groups. The Peaceful Citizens' Committee had previously filed a complaint against Chairman Noh and others for dereliction of duty and abuse of power, later adding charges of embezzlement and breach of trust. Several other organizations have also submitted similar complaints to the police.

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Furthermore, police public authority was deployed during the ballot transport process, and citizens were injured due to forceful actions. It is also said that only the police transported the ballots, requiring observers.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Major Crimes Investigation Unit is scheduled to begin its investigation on June 8th by questioning the complainant. Given the unprecedented nature of the situation, police plan to conduct thorough legal reviews and examine whether the NEC adhered to its established standards for ballot distribution. The investigation aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding the ballot shortage and determine accountability for the electoral disruption.

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The counting began with only one People Power Party observer present, and all of this is illegal.