Public Servant Expresses Outrage Over Ballot Shortages
A public servant working at a polling station in Songpa District has voiced strong criticism against the Central Election Management Committee, stating they can no longer condone the “inadequate ballot supply” situation. The employee, identified only as ‘A’, posted a message on a public servant online forum detailing their frustration.
“Cannot Participate in Election Management Under These Conditions”
In a post titled “Cannot Participate in Election Management Any Longer,” employee A expressed dismay at the circumstances. “I won’t go into lengthy explanations,” the post began, “but we, the public servants of Songpa District, can no longer participate in election duties.” The employee questioned how such a situation could arise with a severe lack of staff at the Songpa District election committee. “We will no longer work under such deficient conditions,” they declared, criticizing the committee for treating local government employees as mere “errand runners.”
Ballot Issues Disrupt Voting
The widespread ballot shortages occurred during the 9th nationwide simultaneous local elections. In several areas, including Songpa, Gangnam, and Gwangjin districts in Seoul, a lack of ballots led to the suspension of voting for some eligible voters. At the Jamsil 7-dong polling station in Songpa District, located at Jamsil Woosung Apartment, citizens gathered, chanting slogans such as “Invalid election” and demanding a re-vote.
Despite the public outcry, election officials stated on the morning of the election that the situation did not meet the criteria for postponing or re-conducting the election according to the Public Official Election Act.
Protests Continue at Polling Station
As of now, approximately 50 citizens remain gathered at the Jamsil Woosung Apartment polling station, continuing to demand a re-vote with chants of “Invalid election!” and “Re-vote!” Incidents of civil unrest were reported when two election officials emerged from the polling station around 11 AM. Citizens surrounded them, expressing their feelings of being disrespected and demanding their detention until a police investigation could take place.
