Election Commission Acting Chair Wi Cheol-hwan (second from right in front row) and committee members respond to questions during a National Assembly meeting on July 1 regarding the ballot shortage in the 9th nationwide local elections. [Photo=Yonhap News]
The Election Commission faced criticism from lawmakers on July 1 for its inadequate data submission during the second day of a national investigation report.
The National Assembly's special committee investigating the ballot shortage in the 9th nationwide local elections convened to receive the second agency report from the Election Commission.
Before the report, committee members from both the ruling and opposition parties expressed frustration over the Commission's lack of thorough data submission. Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Yong-man stated, "While the requested data has not been submitted, the agency report only contains explanations and appeals of unfairness. It is frustrating that administrative resources are being spent on justifying their position instead of providing the necessary data."
Seobum-soo, the secretary of the People Power Party, added, "When I contacted the Election Commission to verify the two documents submitted at 6:18 PM, I received an automated response stating that business hours had ended. They still seem unaware of the seriousness of the situation. Those not participating in the investigation feel no sense of urgency, as if they are in a 'cushy job.'"
In response, committee chair Yoon Sang-hyun emphasized, "The National Assembly has the right to demand data submission. This is a public demand. If the Election Commission is committed to uncovering the truth, it must respond to our requests for data. Please consider this from the perspective of the public, not just the agency's standpoint."
Meanwhile, Acting Secretary General of the Election Commission, Kang Dong-wan, presented detailed improvement measures related to the ballot shortage, including a review of ballot printing standards and management systems, reorganization of vote counting procedures, strengthening decision-making systems, reviewing the Commission's organizational redesign, and enhancing external oversight and control functions.
The National Assembly's special committee investigating the ballot shortage in the 9th nationwide local elections convened to receive the second agency report from the Election Commission.
Before the report, committee members from both the ruling and opposition parties expressed frustration over the Commission's lack of thorough data submission. Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Yong-man stated, "While the requested data has not been submitted, the agency report only contains explanations and appeals of unfairness. It is frustrating that administrative resources are being spent on justifying their position instead of providing the necessary data."
Seobum-soo, the secretary of the People Power Party, added, "When I contacted the Election Commission to verify the two documents submitted at 6:18 PM, I received an automated response stating that business hours had ended. They still seem unaware of the seriousness of the situation. Those not participating in the investigation feel no sense of urgency, as if they are in a 'cushy job.'"
In response, committee chair Yoon Sang-hyun emphasized, "The National Assembly has the right to demand data submission. This is a public demand. If the Election Commission is committed to uncovering the truth, it must respond to our requests for data. Please consider this from the perspective of the public, not just the agency's standpoint."
Meanwhile, Acting Secretary General of the Election Commission, Kang Dong-wan, presented detailed improvement measures related to the ballot shortage, including a review of ballot printing standards and management systems, reorganization of vote counting procedures, strengthening decision-making systems, reviewing the Commission's organizational redesign, and enhancing external oversight and control functions.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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