The People Power Party has demanded a halt to the counting of votes and a delay in the elections following a ballot shortage at several polling stations in Seoul during the June 3 local elections.
Song Eon-seok, the floor leader of the People Power Party, stated on June 3 at the party's election counting headquarters in Yeouido, "I urge an immediate suspension of the vote counting in Seoul."
He formally requested a postponement of the elections, citing Article 196 of the Public Official Election Act, and emphasized that it is clear the elections cannot proceed as planned in Seoul.
Song expressed concerns about whether proper management of ballots was maintained during the urgent transport of ballots from other locations. He also noted that with voting continuing past 6 p.m., the possibility of exit poll results influencing the votes cannot be dismissed.
He described the situation as a "serious issue that significantly undermines the fairness of the election," adding that many citizens believe it is no longer feasible for the election to proceed normally.
Earlier that day, some polling stations in Seoul's Songpa District experienced a shortage of ballots, causing voters to wait or temporarily halting voting.
In response, Heo Cheol-hoon, Secretary General of the National Election Commission, issued a public apology, stating, "We have caused great confusion and concern among the public," while bowing his head in regret.
The commission explained that additional ballots were sent to the affected polling stations and that voters waiting at those locations would be allowed to cast their votes even after the official closing time.
He also stated that once the counting is completed, the commission will identify the causes and issues related to the ballot shortage and implement measures to prevent a recurrence.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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