Key facts
- South Korea will overhaul its election process after ballot shortages at recent local elections.
- President Lee Jae Myung ordered a probe into the ballot shortages.
- The head of the National Election Commission resigned to take responsibility.
- Thousands of protesters demanded a new election, citing a "grave infringement of voter rights."
- The National Election Commission printed ballot papers for 73% of eligible voters based on previous turnout rates.
South Korea will overhaul its election process following ballot shortages during recent local elections that fueled public outcry and damaged the country's reputation as a model democracy. President Lee Jae Myung ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, describing it as a "grave infringement of voter rights" and "ridiculous."
Thousands of protesters have demanded a new election, and President Lee has supported their actions, stating the issue was a matter of democratic integrity. The head of the National Election Commission (NEC), an independent body, has resigned. The NEC explained it printed ballot papers for 73% of eligible voters based on previous turnout, with some polling stations slow to receive additional supplies.
President Lee met with the speaker of parliament, heads of the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court, and Prime Minister Kim Min-seok to discuss necessary changes. While Lee dismissed claims of election fraud, he acknowledged potential criminal responsibility among individuals and suggested the NEC's independence may have led to complacency in election management.