Cheong Wa Dae Says Ballot Paper Shortage Is a Matter for the NEC to Handle

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[Financial News] Cheong Wa Dae said on the 3rd, after ballot paper shortages were reported at some polling stations in Seoul's Songpa District and elsewhere on the main voting day of the June 3 local elections, that it was "a matter for the NEC to handle." The shortages sparked calls for the National Election Commission to take responsibility and demands for a revote.
A Cheong Wa Dae official made the remark when asked that day for the administration's position on the ballot paper shortage.
The explanation appears to mean that, since the NEC is an independent constitutional body rather than an agency under the executive branch, Cheong Wa Dae is not in a position to directly direct or supervise the matter under the principles of separation of powers and the independence of election management. It also appears to have taken into account that any direct action could run counter to the spirit of separation of powers.
\r\nEarlier in the afternoon, ballot paper shortages occurred at some polling stations in Gangnam District, Songpa District and Gwangjin District in Seoul.
In response, NEC Secretary General Heo Cheol-hoon issued a public apology on the day, saying, "We have caused great confusion and concern among the public," in connection with the ballot paper shortages at some polling stations.
He said, "I deeply regret the inconvenience caused to citizens who came to the polling stations to exercise their precious sovereign rights, and the damage done to public trust in fair election management. I offer my sincere apologies."
He added, "The NEC takes this matter very seriously. As soon as the vote count is completed, we will identify the exact cause and problems behind the ballot paper shortages at some polling stations and prepare measures to prevent a recurrence. We apologize once again for disappointing the public with inadequate preparation and response."
In response, the People Power Party is calling for the suspension of the Seoul Metropolitan City mayoral vote count and a rerun election. The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), meanwhile, dismissed the idea, saying it was "not even worth considering."
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cjk@fnnews.com Choi Jong-geun Reporter