Key facts
- President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating fell to 57% due to ballot shortages and election concerns.
- Ballot shortages occurred at more than 90 polling sites during South Korea's local elections.
- Widespread protests erupted, with crowds sometimes numbering 40,000 demanding an election rerun.
- The National Election Commission (NEC) printed fewer ballots than in previous years, using a 50% guideline.
- The NEC chief resigned, and President Lee ordered an investigation into the incident.
President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating has fallen to 57% following widespread ballot shortages during South Korea's recent local elections. The controversy has triggered significant political protests, with crowds sometimes numbering 40,000 gathering daily to demand an election rerun.
The shortages, which affected over 90 polling sites, have led to accusations of election fraud and a loss of public confidence. The National Election Commission (NEC), an independent body, has come under intense scrutiny for its decision to print fewer ballots than in previous years, using a guideline of 50% of eligible voters compared to the traditional 70% for presidential elections and 60% for local elections.
In response to the public outcry, NEC chief Rho Tae-ak resigned, and President Lee Jae Myung ordered an investigation into the incident and pledged to overhaul election procedures. However, the resignation did not immediately quell the protests, with many citizens expressing concern that democratic rights are under threat.
The opposition People Power Party (PPP) has seized on the issue, with leader Jang Dong-hyeok calling for a nationwide re-election. While some within the PPP, including the re-elected mayor of Seoul, Oh Se-hoon, oppose this, the party sees an opportunity to narrow the significant gap in support with the ruling Democratic Party (DP).
Experts suggest that the administration's response will be crucial in either reinforcing or weakening public confidence. A transparent and clear account of the events could bolster trust, while a perceived inadequate or defensive response could further erode it. The incident has highlighted the hard-won nature of democratic rights in South Korea, with citizens wary of any perceived threats, reminiscent of past martial law crises.