Wi Cheol-han, acting chair of the National Election Commission, speaks with former chair Noh Tae-ak before a meeting on June 23 at the National Assembly. [Photo=Yonhap]
Public outrage over the voting paper shortage during the June 3 local elections continues to grow. During a national investigation held at the National Assembly, lawmakers from both parties criticized the situation, while protests at the Jamsil counting center in Olympic Park entered their 19th day.
The National Assembly's Special Committee on the Investigation of the Voting Paper Shortage and Election Management Reform convened on June 23 to discuss the committee's schedule and witness attendance. Reports were also received from the National Election Commission and local election offices.
According to the schedule, the committee will hold a second report from the National Election Commission and local offices on July 1, conduct field investigations on July 8, and hold hearings on July 14 and 22. However, these dates may change based on bipartisan agreement. Lawmakers continued to express their dissatisfaction with the commission's actions, particularly criticizing the absence of seven members of the National Election Commission and former Seoul election chair Oh Min-seok, labeling it a "collective defiance against the public."
"Many citizens are unable to return home at Jamsil (Olympic Park), yet the witnesses are nowhere to be found," said Shin Dong-wook, a member of the People Power Party. "How can we simply pass a resolution for witness attendance when not a single one shows up for the national investigation?"
Following the criticism, some members of the National Election Commission and former chair Oh appeared in the afternoon. Questions were raised about the decision-making process regarding the reduction of the minimum printing of ballots. Democratic Party member Kim Yong-man pointed out that the commission's meetings are held in secrecy. "When I requested the minutes, I was told they are not public. Why are the minutes being hidden?" he emphasized, urging that the public should be informed about the discussions that took place in the committee. In response, acting chair Wi Cheol-han stated he would review the matter.
The blockade of the Jamsil counting center has now lasted for 19 days. Despite the temperature soaring to 30 degrees Celsius in Seoul, protesters remained steadfast, chanting for a "re-election due to fraud." As public anger shows no signs of subsiding, police, who had previously attempted to enter the counting center, have taken a step back and are now monitoring the situation cautiously, responding only to illegal activities.
Acting Police Chief Yoo Jae-sung stated at a press conference on June 22 that, "We will respect and protect the legitimate exercise of sovereignty by citizens gathering voluntarily to express their opinions regarding the infringement of their voting rights," adding that the decision to forcibly disperse the gathering will be based on a comprehensive assessment of public safety, accident risks, and the situation on the ground.
Meanwhile, during the special committee meeting, acting chair Wi Cheol-han reiterated his apology to voters who experienced significant confusion and inconvenience due to the voting paper shortage. The National Election Commission pledged to improve ballot management procedures and enhance its decision-making system and on-site response capabilities.
The National Assembly's Special Committee on the Investigation of the Voting Paper Shortage and Election Management Reform convened on June 23 to discuss the committee's schedule and witness attendance. Reports were also received from the National Election Commission and local election offices.
According to the schedule, the committee will hold a second report from the National Election Commission and local offices on July 1, conduct field investigations on July 8, and hold hearings on July 14 and 22. However, these dates may change based on bipartisan agreement. Lawmakers continued to express their dissatisfaction with the commission's actions, particularly criticizing the absence of seven members of the National Election Commission and former Seoul election chair Oh Min-seok, labeling it a "collective defiance against the public."
"Many citizens are unable to return home at Jamsil (Olympic Park), yet the witnesses are nowhere to be found," said Shin Dong-wook, a member of the People Power Party. "How can we simply pass a resolution for witness attendance when not a single one shows up for the national investigation?"
Following the criticism, some members of the National Election Commission and former chair Oh appeared in the afternoon. Questions were raised about the decision-making process regarding the reduction of the minimum printing of ballots. Democratic Party member Kim Yong-man pointed out that the commission's meetings are held in secrecy. "When I requested the minutes, I was told they are not public. Why are the minutes being hidden?" he emphasized, urging that the public should be informed about the discussions that took place in the committee. In response, acting chair Wi Cheol-han stated he would review the matter.
The blockade of the Jamsil counting center has now lasted for 19 days. Despite the temperature soaring to 30 degrees Celsius in Seoul, protesters remained steadfast, chanting for a "re-election due to fraud." As public anger shows no signs of subsiding, police, who had previously attempted to enter the counting center, have taken a step back and are now monitoring the situation cautiously, responding only to illegal activities.
Acting Police Chief Yoo Jae-sung stated at a press conference on June 22 that, "We will respect and protect the legitimate exercise of sovereignty by citizens gathering voluntarily to express their opinions regarding the infringement of their voting rights," adding that the decision to forcibly disperse the gathering will be based on a comprehensive assessment of public safety, accident risks, and the situation on the ground.
Meanwhile, during the special committee meeting, acting chair Wi Cheol-han reiterated his apology to voters who experienced significant confusion and inconvenience due to the voting paper shortage. The National Election Commission pledged to improve ballot management procedures and enhance its decision-making system and on-site response capabilities.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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