Ahn Chang-ho, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), said, "We urge a thorough investigation into the preparation and operation processes of the overall election management system, including the supply system for ballot papers and the operation of polling stations, and the establishment of effective corrective measures to prevent similar problems from recurring."
The Chairperson said in a statement on June 9, "We express deep concern that, during the 9th nationwide local elections (the June 3 local elections), problems in election management such as shortages of ballot papers at some polling stations caused inconvenience and confusion in the exercise of citizens' suffrage," and stated accordingly.
The Chairperson emphasized that Article 24 of the Constitution guarantees the voting rights of all citizens and that the state has a duty to establish the necessary institutional and administrative conditions to ensure that citizens can exercise their political rights freely and equally.
The Chairperson also explained that, under Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, all citizens are recognized as having the right to freely express their political will through regular and genuine elections. Korea is also a party to the covenant.
The Chairperson noted, "The shortage of ballot papers is affecting not only the smooth exercise of citizens' political rights but also public trust in the overall election management system."
She added, "We hope that this incident will lead to the creation of a human rights-friendly election environment that citizens can trust," and said, "The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) will continue to pay close attention to ensure that all citizens' political rights are fully guaranteed."