Seoul Election Commission's 'complacent response' to ballot shortage requires accountability: probe committee

A special committee investigating the ballot paper shortage during the recent election has called for accountability, stating that the Seoul Metropolitan Election Commission's response was complacent and failed to recognize the gravity of the situation. The committee's findings point to a series of inadequate actions that worsened the problem.

According to the committee, the Songpa District Election Commission repeatedly inquired about serial numbers, indicating an early awareness of potential issues. However, the Seoul Election Commission allegedly remained unaware of the severity of the unfolding shortage. This lack of understanding led to an "an 일한 대응" (complacent response), as described by the committee's chairman, Cho Hyun-wook.

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Seoul Metropolitan Election Commission's complacent response and their lukewarm recognition of the situation's severity suggest that accountability is necessary.

The situation escalated when the Songpa District Election Commission informed the Seoul Election Commission's office in charge at 4:46 PM that they would have to issue ballot papers without serial numbers due to the shortage. It was only at this point that the Seoul Election Commission reportedly recognized the seriousness of the problem. By then, some polling stations had already suspended voting, and citizen complaints had emerged.

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Despite repeated inquiries from the Songpa District Election Commission about serial numbers, the Seoul Election Commission did not realize the severity of the situation and responded complacently, further escalating the problem.

Chairman Cho stated that the Seoul Election Commission's crisis response system was entirely non-functional. He criticized their "무책임한 태도" (irresponsible attitude) for exacerbating the issue. The committee has expanded its investigation beyond the Songpa District Election Commission, which experienced the most significant shortage, to include the Seoul Metropolitan Election Commission and the National Election Commission.

Written inquiries have been sent to key figures, including Noh Tae-ak, the then-Chairman of the National Election Commission, standing commissioners, and the Seoul Metropolitan Election Commission's secretariat. The committee aims to thoroughly examine the systemic failures and individual responsibilities that led to the ballot paper shortage and its mishandling.

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The Seoul Election Commission's crisis response system was not functioning at all, and their irresponsible attitude was evident in their response.