President Lee Criticizes Election Commission Over Ballot Shortage

President Lee Jae-myung criticized the Election Commission for its mismanagement of the ballot shortage during the June 3 local elections. However, he emphasized that this issue is “entirely different” from the allegations of election fraud raised by some opposition parties, including the People Power Party.

During a press conference at the Blue House on June 8, marking his first anniversary in office, President Lee described the ballot shortage as “absurd,” stating, “This has completely undermined the image of a model democratic nation like South Korea.”

He clarified that the issue of ballot shortages should not be conflated with claims of election fraud, asserting, “There is a significant difference between using falsehoods for political gain and the legitimate concern of how it is possible that people could not vote in our country.”

President Lee pointed out that the core issue is that the ballot shortage obstructed citizens' right to participate in the electoral process.

He stated, “If the government fails to manage the exercise of voting rights in a democratic republic like South Korea, it is not just a matter of the number of votes or the results; it is a very serious issue in itself.”

He also expressed gratitude for the activism of young people regarding this matter.

“I find the young people who raised this issue to be truly valuable and admirable,” he said, adding, “I must admit I hadn’t considered it myself. I thought, ‘How could a few people not voting affect the results?’”

He continued, “People like us may have become somewhat insensitive. I reflect on whether there is a lack of sensitivity to the exercise of sovereignty,” and acknowledged that he has much to learn from the youth who raised fundamental questions about the exercise of sovereignty in South Korea.

Following the press conference, President Lee met with key officials at the Blue House to discuss the ballot shortage and potential reforms for the Election Commission.

Attendees included National Assembly Speaker Chung Jin-suk, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, Chief Justice Kim Myung-soo, and Constitutional Court President Kim Sang-hwan, excluding the resigned Election Commission Chairman Noh Tae-ak.

The press conference, lasting 167 minutes, was conducted without a predetermined script, allowing over 20 journalists to ask questions freely as directed by the host and President Lee.

The slogan for the conference was “Irreplaceable South Korea,” reflecting a vision for the nation to become not just one that the world watches, but one that the world needs.

Regarding the results of the June 3 local elections, President Lee candidly expressed, “It was an unavoidable question, and I struggled with it a lot.” He added, “I believe it was ultimately a warning from the public. The people are watching, listening, and will act at some point. It made me realize how formidable the public can be.”

He remarked, “In any case, I was not in a good state for two to three days after the election,” concluding, “The bottom line is my shortcomings.”

On the proposed special prosecutor law related to allegations of prosecutorial misconduct, he stated, “It should be handled according to law and common sense. If there is wrongdoing, it should be dismissed; if not, it should be left alone,” suggesting that a neutral special prosecutor would be preferable.

Additionally, President Lee wore a tie with a white background and blue stripes, similar to the one he wore during the national appointment ceremony on August 15 last year.

A Blue House official explained that this symbolizes a commitment to not lose sight of the original intention and hope for South Korea.