The special parliamentary committee for a government probe into the June 3 local election ballot shortage will conduct on-site inspections on the 2nd at the Songpa District Election Commission in Seoul and at Olympic Park in Jamsil.

Acting Chairperson of the National Election Commission Wi Cheol-hwan answers questions from Committee Chairperson Yoon Sang-hyun during the third full meeting of the National Assembly's Special Committee on a National Investigation into infringements on citizens' suffrage and election management reform, including the shortage of ballot papers in the 9th nationwide local elections, held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 1st./Courtesy of News1

The special committee on the ballot shortage held a plenary meeting at the National Assembly on the 1st and passed a motion to change the committee's operating schedule with these details. Earlier, the ruling and opposition party secretaries of the special committee agreed to conduct on-site inspections at the Songpa District Election Commission and the handball arena at Olympic Park in Jamsil.

The National Election Commission also expressed support for on-site inspections and public verification. Acting Secretary-General Kang Dong-wan of the National Election Commission said at the special committee's plenary meeting that day, "On our own, it is not easy," and noted, "The most reasonable approach would be for the special committee to pass a plan to check the counting center together in connection with the election petition."

Acting official Kang said, "It is confirmed there are about 2.47 million ballot papers inside the Songpa counting center," and added, "If commission staff, not outside personnel, conduct the count, I expect it would cost about 50 million won."

When Special Committee Chairperson Yoon Sang-hyun asked, "Do you mean to publicly verify, in the presence of the ruling and opposition parties and civic groups, that there are no defects in the ballot boxes or ballot papers?" Acting official Kang replied, "If you decide so, we will do that."

Meanwhile, acting Chairperson Wi Cheol-hwan of the National Election Commission drew a line against calls to resign. In response to a question from People Power Party lawmaker Seo Beom-soo asking whether he would decide on his position, Acting Chairperson Wi said, "In the current situation, making such a decision would be more irresponsible," adding, "I have given it much thought and consideration. If it causes greater difficulties, it would put us in a situation where we owe an even greater apology to the Commissioners and the public."

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