Prosecutors and police have decided to form a joint investigation task force to look into the controversy over ballot shortages raised during the June 3 local elections.
The Supreme Prosecutors' Office said Saturday it would "swiftly form a prosecution-police joint investigation task force regarding the matter that disrupted citizens' exercise of their right to vote during the June 3 local elections." It added, "Through close cooperation with police, we will investigate efficiently to rigorously uncover the public's suspicions related to this incident."
Earlier that afternoon, President Lee Jae-myung said through his social networking service (SNS), "The National Election Commission caused enormous disruption to citizens' exercise of their right to vote during this June 3 local election." He added, "The incident itself is difficult to understand, but the subsequent response and explanation to the public were also insufficient."
He continued, "Citizens' right to vote is a constitutional right that must not be restricted or violated for any reason, and this incident is a serious matter that has undermined the foundation of popular sovereignty." He added, "I have ordered the formation of a joint investigation task force involving prosecutors and police to clearly establish responsibility and thoroughly uncover the full scope of the incident."
The National Election Commission had earlier explained that it printed ballots on election day at about 50 percent of the number of voters, citing cost savings and disposal burdens stemming from the increase in early voting turnout. According to the commission, additional ballots were sent to 35 polling stations in Seoul, 8 in Busan, 7 in Daegu, 6 in Incheon, 3 in Ulsan, and 8 in South Gyeongsang Province. The number of polling stations that actually ran short of ballots was found to be 50 in total, including 14 in Songpa District. Polling at 22 stations was temporarily suspended before resuming.
