Wi Cheol-hwan, acting chair of the National Election Commission, reports on the ballot shortage and other issues at a National Assembly meeting on June 23. [Photo=Yonhap News]
Wi Cheol-hwan, the acting chair of the National Election Commission, apologized on June 23 during a National Assembly investigation into the recent ballot shortage that disrupted voters' rights. "I sincerely apologize to the voters who experienced significant confusion and inconvenience due to the shortage of ballots during the election process," he said.
Wi made his remarks while attending a special committee meeting aimed at uncovering the facts behind the ballot shortage and reforming election management in light of the recent local elections. He expressed deep regret, stating, "Despite our efforts to restore public trust following the controversy over the mismanagement of early voting in the 2022 presidential election, this incident has occurred again, leaving me devastated and heartbroken." He emphasized his accountability as a public official responsible for election management, saying, "I reflect on my failure to fulfill my constitutional duties."
He further acknowledged, "I humbly reflect on whether we have become complacent, prioritizing efficiency over our fundamental responsibility to ensure the integrity of voters' rights. There can be no constitutional institution that is exempt from public criticism and oversight. I will pursue comprehensive organizational reform."
During the meeting, committee members from both ruling and opposition parties criticized the Election Commission for the absence of its members and their lack of cooperation in providing requested documents. Although a report from the National Election Commission and local election offices was scheduled, seven of the eight standing committee members, excluding Wi, did not attend. Former Seoul Election Commission Chair Oh Min-seok and other members from the Seoul and Songpa election commissions were also absent.
In response, some committee members urged Chairman Yoon Sang-hyun to take a firm stance. Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform Party, and Jeon Yong-ki, a member of the Democratic Party, argued that witnesses should be compelled to attend, even if it meant adding additional reporting sessions. Following the criticism, five of the seven absent commissioners indicated through Wi that they would be available for questioning in the afternoon.
Meanwhile, the special committee decided during the meeting to conduct a second reporting session with the National Election Commission and local election offices on July 1, followed by field investigations on July 8 and hearings on July 14 and 22.
Wi made his remarks while attending a special committee meeting aimed at uncovering the facts behind the ballot shortage and reforming election management in light of the recent local elections. He expressed deep regret, stating, "Despite our efforts to restore public trust following the controversy over the mismanagement of early voting in the 2022 presidential election, this incident has occurred again, leaving me devastated and heartbroken." He emphasized his accountability as a public official responsible for election management, saying, "I reflect on my failure to fulfill my constitutional duties."
He further acknowledged, "I humbly reflect on whether we have become complacent, prioritizing efficiency over our fundamental responsibility to ensure the integrity of voters' rights. There can be no constitutional institution that is exempt from public criticism and oversight. I will pursue comprehensive organizational reform."
During the meeting, committee members from both ruling and opposition parties criticized the Election Commission for the absence of its members and their lack of cooperation in providing requested documents. Although a report from the National Election Commission and local election offices was scheduled, seven of the eight standing committee members, excluding Wi, did not attend. Former Seoul Election Commission Chair Oh Min-seok and other members from the Seoul and Songpa election commissions were also absent.
In response, some committee members urged Chairman Yoon Sang-hyun to take a firm stance. Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform Party, and Jeon Yong-ki, a member of the Democratic Party, argued that witnesses should be compelled to attend, even if it meant adding additional reporting sessions. Following the criticism, five of the seven absent commissioners indicated through Wi that they would be available for questioning in the afternoon.
Meanwhile, the special committee decided during the meeting to conduct a second reporting session with the National Election Commission and local election offices on July 1, followed by field investigations on July 8 and hearings on July 14 and 22.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.