The National Election Commission's Truth Investigation Committee has recommended an investigation into 12 current and former officials, including Noh Tae-ak, the former chair of the commission, following a ballot shortage crisis during the June 3 local elections.
During a briefing held on June 19 at the National Election Commission's Gwacheon office, Jo Hyun-wook, chair of the investigation committee, announced the findings, stating, "We recommend an investigation based on the accountability for the overall inadequacy of the election management system."
The list of officials recommended for investigation includes Noh, along with Wi Cheol-hwan, a standing committee member, former Secretary General Heo Cheol-hoon, Deputy Secretary General Kang Dong-wan, and former Director of Election Policy Yoon Jae-soo. The committee also suggested disciplinary actions against six officials from local election commissions, including the current chair of the Seoul Election Commission and the chair of the Songpa District Election Commission.
The investigation revealed that out of 14,288 polling stations nationwide, additional ballots were sent to 140 stations during the election. Of these, 91 stations used the ballots, while voting was temporarily halted at 26 stations due to the shortage.
Jo stated that the internal command and reporting system of the election commission was completely paralyzed during the crisis. According to the investigation committee, the Seoul Election Commission unilaterally decided to extend voting hours without consulting the National Election Commission, and the Songpa District Election Commission began counting votes at some polling stations before they had officially closed, violating serious regulations.
To prevent a recurrence, the committee proposed measures including raising the ballot printing ratio to over 70%, minimizing the use of unnumbered ballots, reducing the scope of administrative decisions, implementing a full-time chair for the National Election Commission, establishing a real-time voter turnout monitoring system, and including the election commission in the audit scope of the Board of Audit and Inspection. They also suggested the need for a public forum to discuss the future of early voting and errors in vote counting inputs.
However, the highly anticipated recommendation for a complete re-election was excluded. Jo clarified, "It is reasonable to leave the decision on re-election to the legal procedures under the Public Election Act and the judgment of the courts."
Finally, Jo remarked, "Although the investigation period was short, we have clarified almost all aspects. Further facts may emerge through joint investigations by the police and prosecutors and a national assembly inquiry."
The ballot shortage incident during the June 3 local elections prompted the establishment of the investigation committee, which consists of Jo and six external members. The committee held its first meeting on June 10 and concluded its activities on June 19.
Throughout its tenure, the committee discussed the causes and responsibilities of the ballot shortage, investigated the overall management of ballot printing and distribution, and examined the appropriateness of polling station operations and initial responses following the incident.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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