18 Universities' Student Councils Denounce Ballot Shortage Crisis

Student councils from 18 universities nationwide have jointly spoken out regarding the ballot paper shortage during the June 10th local elections, demanding a thorough investigation and reform of the election management committee.

Student councils from 18 universities across the country, including Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Korea University, Pusan National University, and Chonnam National University, issued a joint statement calling for a thorough investigation into the ballot paper shortage crisis and reform of the National Election Commission. They presented demands including an investigation into the facts through a parliamentary inquiry and special prosecutor, punishment of those responsible, measures to remedy infringements on basic rights, structural reform of the National Election Commission, and the establishment of a participatory reform watchdog organization. Some universities, like Sogang University and Sungkyunkwan University, also collected thousands of student signatures.

At a ballot box set up next to the campus of the alma mater of the late activist Lee Han-yeol, students left messages expressing their opinions on the ballot paper shortage.

Lee Ui-bin, Chairperson of the Seoul National University College Student Council Representatives' Council, stated that the right to vote is the most fundamental right supporting democracy, and the value of one vote guaranteed to each individual should not be compromised under any circumstances. Choi Yeon-woo, President of the Pusan National University Student Council, urged for thorough fact-finding through parliamentary inquiries and special prosecutors, severe punishment of those responsible, and the establishment of effective remedies for the infringement of sovereignty.

They stated that this joint declaration was unrelated to a student forum hosted by Representative Jang Dong-hyuk and that they maintained a distance from political circles. Currently, student councils from 142 universities have issued statements or declarations, with voices of criticism from university campuses growing louder against the infringement of the right to vote.