Justice Minister Demands Fundamental Overhaul of Election Commission
Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho has called for a fundamental restructuring of the National Election Commission (NEC), citing a severe shortage of ballot papers during the recent June 3rd local elections. The minister described the situation as an “unavoidable and significant problem” in a statement released on his Facebook page.
Voter Disenfranchisement Deplored
Minister Jung asserted that the public’s hard-won right to vote was undermined by the NEC’s “overall inefficiency and incompetence.” He emphasized the necessity for a thorough investigation into the matter and stringent accountability for those responsible.
“The NEC’s status as an independent constitutional body should not serve as a shield for impunity,” the minister declared. He also urged for a swift parliamentary inquiry into the election commission’s operations.
Support for Protests Expressed
Addressing the ongoing protests, mainly involving individuals in their 20s and 30s, at Seoul’s Olympic Park, Minister Jung characterized the demonstrations as a “justified anger” over the infringement of voting rights. He stated that the government must respond to the “democratic faith and legitimate demands” of the numerous young people and citizens gathered in protest.
The minister commended the protestors, saying, “Young people and citizens are proving themselves to be mature sovereigns by choosing facts, reason, peace, and order over intimidation and slander by a small number of conspiracy theorists and extremists seeking to defile the plaza.”
Joint Investigation Launched
In response to the ballot paper shortage, the prosecution and police have established a joint investigation headquarters at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office. The headquarters will be led by Kim Tae-hoon, the third deputy chief of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office.
Minister Jung pledged that the Ministry of Justice would “devote all its capabilities to thoroughly clarifying the facts and identifying the responsible parties in this incident where the people’s right to vote was violated.”
