Ballot Paper Shortage Halts Voting at 14 Seoul Polling Stations

On June 2nd, the day after the 3rd National Simultaneous Local Elections, cases of suspended or delayed voting occurred across the country due to a shortage of ballots. In particular, voting was temporarily suspended at 14 polling stations in the Seoul area as ballots ran out.

This led to situations where voters had to wait for extended periods or leave without being able to vote. In the most severe case in Songpa District, Seoul, it was found that ballot papers were printed for only 50% of the total registered voters.

The National Election Commission (NEC) explained that the situation arose due to high voter turnout and apologized for the inconvenience caused by insufficient preparation. Despite the NEC's apology, protests continued.