Justice Minister Calls for Investigation into Election Ballot Shortage

Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho on June 10 called the shortage of ballots during the June 3 local elections a "serious issue that cannot be overlooked" and urged for a thorough investigation into the matter.

In a Facebook post marking the 39th anniversary of the June 10 Democratic Uprising, Jung stated, "The public's hard-won right to vote has been undermined by the Election Commission's systemic failures and incompetence. The truth must be uncovered, and those responsible must be held accountable."

He further emphasized that the Election Commission should humbly accept the stern criticism from the electorate and undertake fundamental reforms at a level that would warrant its dissolution. "The status of an independent constitutional body should not serve as a shield for evasion of responsibility," he added.

Jung also called for a swift national investigation, stating, "We must respond to the justified anger of the many young people and citizens in their 20s and 30s who gathered in the streets, expressing their faith in democracy and their rightful demands."

He noted that the government has launched a joint investigation team with law enforcement to ensure rapid fact-finding and rigorous prosecution. "The Ministry of Justice will dedicate all its resources to thoroughly investigate the circumstances and accountability surrounding this infringement of the public's voting rights," he declared.