"Ballot Paper Shortage Violates Voting Rights... Election Fraud Claims Are a Conspiracy Theory": MOJ

[Financial News] MOJ Minister Jeong Seong-ho said the shortage of ballot papers in the June 3 local elections was "a serious issue that severely infringes on voting rights," while also expressing concern over claims of election fraud.
According to the legal community on the 7th, Jeong said in a post on Social Network Service (SNS) the previous day, "I deeply regret the conspiracy theories about election fraud that are once again being stirred up by some amid the confusion, as well as the illegal acts of violence and threats by these extremist groups."
Jeong criticized the situation, saying, "Some extremist groups are skillfully mixing the rational and legitimate demands of many citizens seeking to restore their voting rights with their own delusions and conspiracy theories, which have already been proven false many times." He added, "This is an attempt to obscure the essence of this incident, which should be calmly diagnosed and resolved through rational institutional measures. It is not about solving the problem, but about pursuing political gain by inciting division in the community."
He continued, "Any attempt to replace the rightful anger of citizens whose voting rights have been violated with their own delusions and hatred will not be tolerated." He added, "We will also respond firmly to any attempt to turn a pure, nonviolent, peaceful protest that deserves respect into a radical demonstration. I hope that election fraud conspiracy theorists and extremist groups stay away from the space of democracy and from citizens who are asserting their legitimate rights."
Meanwhile, Jeong stressed that accountability for the incident is essential.
Jeong said, "The NEC's shortage of ballot papers is a serious issue that has severely infringed on voting rights, which are the foundation of democracy and an inviolable right of the people." He added, "This is a matter that deserves the public's stern criticism, and depending on the facts that emerge, thorough reforms as well as strong accountability for those responsible must inevitably follow."
He also said, "Since both the government and the ruling and opposition parties deeply agree that this incident must never be overlooked, I expect strong and effective measures that the public can accept, including a special prosecutor or a National Assembly investigation, to be taken swiftly in the near future."
theknight@fnnews.com Jeong Kyung-soo Reporter