Student general assembly at Chonnam National University fails to convene; statement of the times planned for tomorrow

A student general assembly at Chonnam National University, intended to protest the National Election Commission's handling of ballot shortages in the recent June 4 local elections, failed to proceed due to a lack of quorum. The assembly was scheduled to take place at Minju Maru on the evening of June 9.

The university's student body requires at least 1,667 students, or one-tenth of the total enrollment of 16,661, to be present for a general assembly to officially convene. Despite the call to gather, by 8 p.m., only 285 students had registered their attendance, falling significantly short of the required number. The assembly was subsequently declared adjourned.

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As of 7:59 p.m., only 285 students had gathered, failing to meet the quorum.

In response to the low turnout, the student council president stated that the council would convey the sentiments of the 285 attendees to the public. The student council had previously issued a statement on June 6, alongside other university student bodies in the Gwangju and Jeonnam region, condemning the election commission's actions. They argued that the commission's infringement on suffrage undermined the democratic spirit of May, which their predecessors had fought to protect.

Students from various universities, including Chosun University, Mokpo National University, Suncheon National University, Gwangju University, and Dongshin University, have also released statements criticizing the National Election Commission. However, these statements did not explicitly call for a rerun of the election or allege widespread fraud. The Chonnam National University student council is set to participate in a nationwide statement of the times, coordinated among university student councils across the country, scheduled for June 10.

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The National Election Commission's infringement on suffrage is no different from undermining the democratic spirit of May that our seniors and countless citizens protected.