The National Election Commission issued a public apology regarding shortages of ballot papers at 17 polling stations, including in Songpa-gu, Seoul, during the 6·3 local elections. The Commission said it would identify the cause and prepare measures to prevent a recurrence as soon as the ballot count is concluded.

On the 3rd at the Government Complex Gwacheon in Gyeonggi Province, Heo Cheol-hun, Secretary General of the National Election Commission, held a briefing and stated, “I feel deeply responsible for having caused inconvenience to citizens who visited polling stations and for undermining public trust in fair election administration.”

He said, “We caused great confusion and concern to the public due to a shortage of ballot papers at some polling stations,” and “We once again apologize for the disappointment caused by insufficient preparation and response.”

He said, “Upon recognizing the situation, the Commission immediately transported ballot papers to polling stations experiencing shortages,” and “We took steps and provided guidance so that voters waiting at those stations could cast their ballots normally even if it was past closing time.”

He said, “The Commission views this matter with utmost seriousness,” and “As soon as the count is finished, we will accurately determine the causes and problems behind the shortages at some polling stations and put in place measures to prevent a recurrence.”

He said, “I understand there are many questions about the current situation,” but added, “Because the count is still underway, we cannot yet determine in detail which polling stations experienced shortages, how many additional ballot papers were sent to each, and how long voting was delayed until closing time, so we ask for your understanding that we cannot provide precise answers at this time.”

He said, “Regarding the rules related to deciding the number of ballot papers to print on election day, how we came to recognize the shortage, and the subsequent actions taken, the responsible bureau directors will answer as faithfully as possible within the scope of what has been identified so far.”