Election Oversight Confirms Ballot Shortages at 91 Polling Stations
The National Election Commission (NEC) has revealed that 91 polling stations nationwide experienced ballot shortages during the 9th nationwide simultaneous local elections held on March 3rd. This figure is an increase of 41 stations compared to initial reports.
Further details indicate that 26 polling stations experienced voting interruptions due to the lack of ballots, an increase of four stations from the earlier assessment. Additionally, 140 polling stations received supplemental ballot shipments after anticipating shortages, a rise of 73 stations from the initial findings. Notably, 49 of these stations did not utilize the additional ballots provided.
Regional Breakdown of Supplemental Ballots
The regions that received additional ballot shipments include:
- Seoul: 53 stations
- Gyeonggi: 36 stations
- Incheon: 18 stations
- Busan: 9 stations
- Daegu: 7 stations
- Gyeongnam: 5 stations
- Jeonnam: 4 stations
- Ulsan: 3 stations
- Gangwon: 2 stations
- Chungbuk, Jeonbuk, Gyeongbuk: 1 station each
An official from the NEC stated that the increased number of polling stations reporting ballot shortages is the result of comprehensive investigations conducted over the weekend, which included polling station managers and administrative staff. The official added that further verification will be conducted to identify any other stations that may have faced similar issues.
Investigation Committee Established
To determine the causes and responsibilities for the ballot shortage incidents, the NEC has established a special committee. This ‘Fact-Finding Committee on Ballot Shortage Incidents’ is scheduled to operate from March 10th to March 19th, with potential for extension. The committee comprises six external members recommended by civil society, legal bodies, media organizations, and academic institutions. Jo Hyun-wook, former president of the Korea Women Lawyers Association, will chair the committee. The committee’s mandate includes investigating all aspects of ballot production, distribution, and collection.
