South Korean President demands inquiry into election ballot shortage

President Lee Jae-myung has demanded an immediate parliamentary inquiry into the ballot shortage that plagued the recent local elections, emphasizing the need to uncover the truth and establish measures to prevent recurrence. Lee also urged lawmakers to discuss fundamental institutional reforms for the election management committee.

"I request that the National Assembly promptly pursue a parliamentary investigation to clearly ascertain the facts of this matter and establish measures to prevent its recurrence," Lee stated on Facebook. He added, "I also request that discussions include fundamental institutional improvement plans for the election management committee."

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I request that the National Assembly promptly pursue a parliamentary investigation to clearly ascertain the facts of this matter and establish measures to prevent its recurrence. I also request that discussions include fundamental institutional improvement plans for the election management committee.

The president further announced that the government would take all possible measures to address the gravity of the situation. He has ordered the formation of a joint investigation headquarters, including the prosecution and police, to clearly define accountability and thoroughly investigate the full scope of the incident. Lee criticized the election management committee's handling of the situation and its subsequent explanations to the public as insufficient, stating that the disruption to citizens' right to vote was significant.

"The right of citizens to participate in elections must not be restricted or infringed upon for any reason," Lee asserted. "This incident is a grave matter that has undermined the foundation of popular sovereignty." He stressed that the government would explore all administrative avenues to address the issue, underscoring the constitutional importance of the electoral process.

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The right of citizens to participate in elections must not be restricted or infringed upon for any reason. This incident is a grave matter that has undermined the foundation of popular sovereignty.