Rival parties agree to launch parliamentary probe on election ballot shortage

Rival political parties in South Korea have agreed to launch a 45-day parliamentary investigation into the National Election Commission concerning ballot shortages that occurred during the recent local elections. The agreement was announced by party officials, who stated that the plan will be put to a vote at a parliamentary plenary session scheduled for Thursday.

The investigation stems from reports of ballot shortages at over a dozen polling stations in Seoul during the June 3 local elections, which temporarily disrupted voting and led to protests. Both the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) had separately submitted requests for a parliamentary probe, though they initially differed on the scope and committee composition.

Under the agreement, the special parliamentary committee will be chaired by the PPP. National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik met with party floor leaders Han Byung-do of the DP and Jeong Jeom-sig of the PPP to finalize the details.