The National Election Commission visited the Songpa District Office in Seoul to issue an official apology over the ballot paper shortage and the suspension of voting that occurred in Songpa during the 9th nationwide local elections held simultaneously (June 3 local elections).

On the afternoon of the 24th, Acting Secretary-General Kang Dong-wan of the National Election Commission met Songpa District Mayor Seo Kang-seok and said, "I sincerely apologize to the public for an incident that should never have happened."

Kang Dong-wan, National Election Commission deputy secretary-general, speaks during an apology visit at Songpa District Office in Seoul on the 24th over the ballot paper shortage that occurs during the June 3 local election main vote in parts of Songpa District. /Courtesy of Yonhap News

Kang said, "A ballot paper shortage occurred at 14 polling stations under Songpa's jurisdiction," and added, "I offer my sincere apology to the more than 1,800 Songpa public officials and the more than 1,300 people who worked on the ballot count."

He went on, "This unprecedented situation of a ballot paper shortage began with guidelines that the election commission prepared without any advance anticipation," adding, "After the incident, we failed to resolve it clearly with speed and accuracy, which fueled confusion."

Kang said that while he is aware of various criticisms of the election commission, "I want to be clear that the commission does not exist to betray the public."

Regarding the joint police-prosecution investigation unit for uncovering the truth behind the infringement of the people's suffrage launching a probe into "manipulation of voting statistics," Kang said, "There can never be any organized command," adding, "We believe such talk arose during communications among the staff in charge. We should wait for the investigation for the exact facts."

However, on allegations that some election commission staff falsely entered the number of voters, and their explanation to the effect of "Isn't it enough if the final turnout matches," Kang said, "That seems an inappropriate remark."

Kang Dong-wan (right), National Election Commission deputy secretary-general, speaks with Seo Gang-seok, Songpa District mayor, after offering an apology at Songpa District Office in Seoul on the 24th over the ballot paper shortage that occurs during the June 3 local election main vote in parts of Songpa District. /Courtesy of Yonhap News

While accepting the commission's apology, District Mayor Seo demanded measures to prevent a recurrence and follow-up actions. He also urged the Minister of the Interior and Safety, who oversees elections, and the election commission chair to come to the site, apologize in person, and explain improvement plans, in connection with the situation in which rallies sparked by the ballot paper shortage have continued for two months at Olympic Park.

Seo said, "The government should take steps so that rally participants can return to their daily lives and Songpa residents can use Olympic Park peacefully."

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