South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday called out the National Assembly (the “Assembly”) to initiate a parliamentary inquiry into a case Lack of ballot papers that bothered them Local elections in the country last week, stating that the response and explanation to the public so far has been inadequate.
Stating that citizens’ right to vote is a constitutionally protected right that must not be restricted or violated for any reason, Myung expressed his “deep regret” both as a citizen and as a president responsible for governing the nation.
Myung also urged the assembly to take measures to prevent such disruptions from happening again and to suggest institutional improvements to the Election Commission. Myung also promised that his executive-level office would take all possible measures and announced that a joint investigation team of prosecutors and police had been formed to support the investigation.
Myung also blamed the National Election Commission (the “Commission”) for the loss of public trust and warned that it must take active steps to justify its continued existence:
The reason why the Chairman of the National Election Commission is appointed to one of the five ministries in the country is because the Election Commission is an independent institution with corresponding powers, duties and responsibilities, just like the executive, legislative and judicial branches.
An independent institution that has lost the trust of the people has no right to exist. The Electoral Commission must take this situation seriously, conduct a fundamental review of organizational operations and overall election management, and clearly demonstrate a strong commitment to reforms and reforms that the public can trust.
Myung has it too expressed his disappointment The entire incident was a “serious blow to the country’s reputation as a model democracy.” Protests demand repeat elections It is now the fourth day since the ballot shortage incident Complaints were filed with the South Korean Constitutional Court.
National Election Commission Chairman Rho Tae-ak publicly apologized Friday for the election disruptions and acknowledged “full responsibility for the situation.” Tae-ak resigned on the same day and has stated that he and other Commission staff will cooperate fully with any investigation.
