Songpa-gu Election Commission Chief Steps Down After Ballot Issues
The chief of the Songpa-gu Election Management Commission in Seoul has resigned following a significant shortage of ballot papers during the 9th National Simultaneous Local Elections held on June 3rd. The official, Min So-young, submitted her resignation on June 9th, which was subsequently processed by the Seoul Metropolitan Election Management Commission.
Background of the Incident
Min, who also serves as the Senior Judge of the Seoul Eastern District Court, was appointed as the Songpa-gu Election Management Commission chief on February 28th. However, on the main voting day, the elections in Songpa-gu were temporarily halted due to a lack of ballot papers. This issue affected 15 polling stations within the district alone, representing a striking 57.7% of the 26 affected locations nationwide.
Investigation and Interim Leadership
In the wake of the ballot shortage, Min, along with former National Election Commission Chairman Noh Tae-ak, was reported to the police on suspicion of dereliction of duty. Following Min’s resignation, the Songpa-gu Election Management Commission is expected to operate temporarily under the directorship of Vice Chairman Kim Han-kwang.
