South Korean president orders review of ballot shortages in local elections

President Lee Jae Myung directed a full investigation into ballot paper shortages that occurred at polling stations during the June 3 local elections and parliamentary by-elections. The shortages were reported at more than a dozen stations in Seoul and at more than 50 stations nationwide. Some voters left without casting ballots.

Meeting with senior officials Lee held the meeting at Cheong Wa Dae with the prime minister, National Assembly speaker, Supreme Court chief justice and Constitutional Court president. Participants agreed to conduct a thorough investigation and to hold those responsible accountable through administrative and legal measures, senior presidential secretary Lee Kyu-youn told reporters.

They also agreed to pursue reforms to election management to restore public trust. "It is necessary to get to the bottom of the incident, even if it does not produce a clear solution," Lee said at the meeting. "Regardless of the number (of votes affected) or whether they had any impact on the (election) results, this is a very serious problem that cannot be excused," he added.