SEOUL - South Korea’s parliament has authorized a formal investigation into severe ballot paper shortages that disrupted this month’s municipal elections. The legislative move follows widespread polling failures on June 3, marking the first nationwide vote since President Lee Jae Myung took office.
The logistical breakdown prompted National Election Commission chief Roh Tae-ak to resign and sparked public demonstrations demanding a re-vote. Protesters continue to block access to a primary vote-counting center in Seoul.
Lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun of the opposition People Power Party will lead the inquiry. The committee aims to determine the causes of the shortage and assess the commission's inadequate response. The PPP has also filed election appeals in seven regions, including the capital.
Under current law, the election commission has 60 days to adjudicate these claims. If irregularities are confirmed, fresh elections must occur within 30 days. Rejected appeals face a 10-day window for court challenges.
Authorities have already raided NEC headquarters, seizing electronic data from servers for forensic analysis. Analysts note the constitutional body has historically lacked external oversight. Former President Yoon Suk-yeol, currently jailed for insurrection, previously alleged the commission ignored intelligence warnings regarding voter data security, fueling ongoing disputes over electoral integrity.